If its holding 18 psi to redline thats no T25. I dont trust anyones seat of the pants impression, but I trust the boost curve

But according to the part number it seems to be a T25. Sounds like the shop knew what they are doing (with the big equipment and such), and 1300 IS the going rate for a new T25, and I dont think that typically includes install. So I dont think you got ripped off in the legal sense, just in the sense that as DSMers, we know how to be real stingy and get a little more turbo for out money. The car is running fine, pulls hard, and you seem to have at least gotten what you paid for, as far as high markup dealer BS goes. I Would just chaulk it up to experience. You had to get a ride because school was starting, etc. What can you do, its life

I dont think its as bad as I initially thought, based on the new info.