Re: just looked at a tsi im thinking about getting butttt..have a couple tech questions
93_GSX, my comment was geared more towards the OP, but I applaud you for coming clean

. We all miss-type something here or there, but it's your attitude that tells us volumes about what kind of person you are.
Back on topic.....
I personally would NEVER touch a car with a GM translator. They are horrible, inconsistent, and worthless if you ask me. I've turned down many clients becuase they were running a GM maf. Why anyone would goto a GM maf over a 2g MAS is beyond me.
It can totally be a boost leak. In fact, once I chucked the Gm maf Trans, in favor of a DSMLink/2g MAS setup, the first thing I'd do is a boost leak test.
With problems like this, it could be a variety of things. It could be something as simple as a bad spark plug cable.
When in doubt, don't buy it. There are plenty of awesome cars out there looking for a new owner.