a cheap mbc that doesn't surge?

is there one? or do all the spring ones do? i have that $20 one from umm i forget the name, anyway, especially in cold weather, if i just apply a bit over slight throttle, the boost surges as it starts going up, so like:

4-6
5-7
6-8
7-9

etc and the car jerks, does this pretty fast actually. but if i'm on the gas a good amount, no problems.

or is electronic the only solution?

Everyone I have seen will overboost slightly. Although with my Dawes Device I have never seen anything over 17-18psi (which a VNT15 can handle with ease)... Settles down to 15psi without a problem.

My VNT15 surges to about 22 and settles to 18

umm i'm not talking overboost... this is completely something else. i have a vnt17 and i don't overboost, with my pd130 turbo inlet on full throttle it shoots to 22psi and holds, no spike, but its not smooth sometimes if i'm only applying part throttle....

I bought the cheapest, highest sold brass ball and spring type MBC on ebay for my 240sx with SR swap. It works amazingly well. I currently run 9psi with full consistency in all gears, and have tried as high as 14 psi from the T28bb. It worked for me and was less than $20. Try it, test it well, and good luck.

what are electronic boost controller options for tdi's?

sounds more like a tuning issue