Question regarding MK4 GTI engines

I am currently in the market for a 2002.5 and up MK4 Gti, but im stuck between getting the 1.8t or the VR6. Im pretty sure the 1.8t vs VR6 question has been asked a million times already, but mine is slightly different. I already know that the 1.8t responds very well to mods, and is a lot cheaper to mod than a VR6, but is it really that hard to get HP out of the VR6 without spending big bucks? I really like the VR6 (no turbo lag, sounds bad**) but if it is expensive to mod, I will probably get the 1.8t.

1. If I had $1000 to spend on engine mods, about how much HP/TQ would I be looking at with an N/A VR6? A 1.8t with stock turbo? What about $2000?

2. Is the turbo lag bad on a 1.8t? If so, would a chip reduce lag?

3. Also, Ive heard that the 1.8t is more nimble than a VR6 because the engine is lighter. How true is this?

Thats about all I can think of for now. Thanks for any input!

i have the 1.8t, the turbo hits around 3k rpm.. the lag isn't that bad at all.
an APR stage 1 chip upgrade will run you about 600 dollars and will give you the biggest bang(30-40 hp gain) for your buck at the starting stages of your moding..
the 1.8t does 0-60 in 7.5 sec and the VR6 does 0-60 in 7.7 sec, most people claim its just the motors extra wieght in the VR6.
try this website http://www.greedspeed.com/applications/2002-2005_Volkswagen_Golf_GTI_IV_1.8t.aspx?cat=11
they have pretty low prices.