[ChrisG]

Thanks for the advice.

Looking back on it now - I think that having the 1.7 refitted is the best option.

John Maher Racing is the company where I am considering having the engine refitted and to be honest even though the cost is a little higher than normal the spec he will deliver is good.
The crank and case will be reground - the crank will also be balenced.
The heads get a complete workover - new seats, stems, valves etc. Any cracks are also welded up and repaired.
The Barrels and Pistons are brand new.

Also I will, with all luck be fitting a G Grind cam to the engine to compensate for the changes in the FI balenced stock cam when converting over to carbs.

I too have heard that Unleaded fuel is the norm in VW engines, however when pinned down nobody I know will admit it.
VW Trends and Volksworld in the UK say something along the lines of "for every 3 fill ups of unleaded add one of leaded."

However, it seems odd that the companies over here are now heavily plugging unleaded heads and conversion kits for both VW's and 914's.

Actually remembering my old Type 4 engine, the later van units also have the fuel pump mounted to the side of the engine, at the back under the tinwear.

I think that is my mind made up - I will go for the 1.7 rebuild.

Thanks again for the advice.