I started my top-end project because it was a bad oil-burner and found broken headstuds during tear-down. I loved doing this project:
87 Drop Top - Drop-n-Top End
I too had alusil, and the oil rings were completely clogged with sludge. I had the cylinders professionally measured & honed and did a re-ring. I elected to leave the bottom end alone and don't regret it at all.
I find myself thinking of excuses to do another drop and tear-down, but my car runs great, doesn't burn or leak a drop of oil, so I guess I'll need to find another project car.
If you built a VW engine and you have some space and tools, you can do this. The engine forum is an invaluable resource, and there are some very helpful videos on Youtube that cover many aspects of this project. Embrace it!
Good luck,
GK