Realistically, this turbo on a Buick, likes to run between 16-25psi. Not to say that it can't be run higher, which it absolutely can. This turbo is not violent by any means, but it can be if abused on a traction challenged surface on regular radials. Just as any turbo would. Heck a stocker can put you in the ditch just a fast as anything if not careful. If you have a stock D5 converter and want neck snapping acceleration from a standing punch, definitely go with the air cooled ceramic dual ball bearing version. As the journal bearing version with a stock D5 converter will have some slight lag from a punch. It should spool faster than an older TE-44, but not by much. But it will significantly out perform the TE-44 once you start cranking up the boost.
As an example, this turbo is rated to support 605 flywheel hp at around 30psi. Knowing that, we can say it should roughly support 362 flywheel at 18psi and roughly 423 at 21psi. A difference of about 62hp. That being math on paper. 605 flywheel hp equates out to 60.5 lbs per minute of airflow. I can share with you that this turbo, on other applications, has made 508 whp at 21psi, and 573 whp at 27psi. Now, given, this was on a DOHC 4 cylinder 2.0L application, that has a more efficient design with regards to flow capabilities, but you get a general idea of what the turbo is capable of.
This turbo is a great choice for basic stock car with bolt ons. Wanting to run low 12's to high 11's without having to crank the boost and have quick spool up.
HTH
Patrick