So done a fair bit of reading lately on surge as I was concerned that this was causing the fluttering sound on WOT, from where peak boost hits (about 3500rpm) up to about 4500. Posted a thread in the mk1 section with a link to an article on VAGfans, here -
http://www.vagfans.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=572
So from what that says, if it was actual, proper surge I'd know about it. Saw a thread on VWVortex also (thanks Craig!) in which a tuner says the following:
I've noticed that this is a common occurrence with the newer production year cars. For example, 2001 (AWW) and 2002-2003 (AWP) have no issues holding boost perfectly, but 2004 and 2005 MY's have issues holding boost properly sometimes, even with the same exact software. Its not 'surging' by definition, its a mere fluctuation due to the wastegate opening and closing, but it only happens is SOME cars. Not all.
That made me think, I wonder if what I'm hearing is the N75 dumping air back into the TIP. The flutter is very rapid when it starts at 3500rpm and slows quickly then disappears about 4500. The N75 operates the wastegate by either boost pressure or vacuum. It uses vacuum from the TIP to hold the wastegate shut while the ECU is requesting more boost than the turbo is generating, then when the actual boost exceeds request it fluctuates between vacuum and boost very rapidly. This opens the wastegate, causing the turbo to slow down as exhaust gases bypass the turbo. As boost falls the fluctuations get slower.
This would seem to coincide with what I'm hearing betweek 3.5k and 4.5k. The noise of the flutter does sound a little bit like recirc/diverter valve noise, just very short and very quick. It's also louder since fitting the B5 TIP, just like the DV noises and stuff are.
This may not be correct but it all seems logical to me. Just thought I'd post this in case anyone who's had this is still wondering what is going on...