the 1.7 is just as good as the other early motors. You need to keep an eye on the valve clearances, change the oil and they will go for a long time. the 1.7 is not really "worth" rebuilding as the countryside is littered with 1.8s and especially 2.0 ABAs that will bolt right in. The standard is get a good ABA shortblock and top it with a 1.8 GTI head and you get great power on the cheap. It will run great on the 1.7 ignition, injection or a 32/36 weber.
If it still runs well I would concentrate on keeping it that way and forget the carb. The CIS injection is pretty much perfect if it is working.






