Upgrading Turbo on a budget - need advice!

[Timbo]

Hi all,

Long time no speak! Hope everyone is well!

I'm going to buy a new turbo finally. Unfortunately, it has to be a budget one at this stage as I simply can't afford a brand name and will likely not be able too for some time to come. Might have to get a second job!

I'm tossing up between a Kinugawa or a Mamba 18G/6cm. I know, I know. Ebay turbos. BUT, I've read good things (and bad) and I guess you get what you pay for. I'll either be extremely lucky, or unlucky!

So, short and sweet, here's some questions:

1. Who has experience with Kinugawa or Mamba turbos?

2. Not totally decided on an 18G. MAYBE 16G. I've read so many conflicting stories on each type. Some say the 16G/8cm will/can max out an 11mm pump. The 16G spools quicker but runs out of puff earlier in the top end. I've also read on the flip side, the 18G/6cm was a great all rounder because it had a better mid-range and top-end pull but spooled up a few hundred RPM slower and it was fine on an 11mm pump. I think any of these turbo will blow what I have out of the water in terms of performance. My current turbo starts thinking about spooling at 2000rpm and makes full boost about 3000rpm. 4th gear flat knacker, lucky to make 8psi. 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear will make 14psi.
Thoughts?

3. The Kinu isn't a direct bolt on to the existing 3-bolt exhaust where as the Mamba is apparently. I've read that the Kinu is a better turbo but I'm unsure how to approach getting a new dump pipe for the Kinugawa. Do I fit the turbo to my engine then gently drive down to an exhaust shop and ask them to make a new dump? Can I just order one that will fit?

4. What's all the hub-bub with Anti-Surge housings? Like, I know what they do.. but do we really need them if I'm not chasing huge horsepower? The car isn't surging with the current turbo.. but the current turbo may as well be a krispy creame doughnut.

That's all! Cheers!