[explosivpotato]

Boost is load dependent more than RPM dependent with a small turbo. My t25 CAN be at a full 6 lbs at ~ 2500RPM. However, even during regular acceleration it's very easy to stay in vacuum all the way till redline.

Gas mileage would SUCK if you were in boost at ANY cruise speed...

Think of it this way:
You will be in boost whenever you call upon the engine for a load greater than that of WOT in stock form. When stock, you would just go WOT and be done with it, but with a turbo once you get above a critical RPM you have the option of going further depending on throttle position, gear, and load.


I can stay out of boost indefinitely, even though I spool up at <3k. I never see boost while cruising on the highway at 80mph+ unless I put the hammer down.

I'd say a T25 of a slightly larger trim or A/R would be good for your plans... maybe something a little bigger like a DSM turbo or even a T3. You could go T3/T4 hybrid, but that would flow enough to decimate your bottom end without some work on the pistons/rods, and wastegate-ing it down would be a waste.