Newbie needs help with track car build

Hi all. I've been trailing through this great forum for a while now looking for some answers to the q's i have, but i thought i would ask you knowledgeable bunch your opinion.

I have just inherited a 1.3 mk1 golf driver from my boss, which i am looking to convert into a track car.

Bodywork is my thing and that will be a walk in the park BUT i am far off being a mechanic! I have owned plenty of VW's and MK1 Golfs over the years, but never gone to the extreme of changing engines etc.

What i hope you guys can help me with is the best(cheapest) option for the engine and box?

Looking through the build threads on here it looks like the 1.3 carb is not the best starting vehicle, but as its a free car i really cannot argue.

Any advice on the engine, gearbox, fuel system and wiring would be a great help…..

Would really love a 1.8t conversion but as i only have 1.5k to spend on the whole build so far i guess the 16v route will be my only choice?

I think the most popular conversion for the best price is going to be an 2.0 ABF 16v from a mk3 Golf or Seat Ibiza.  As yours is a small block you will need to move the engine mounts.

Thanks James.

I am still reading up on the full list of parts required before i start the build. So hopefully i can have all the major parts ready and I'm not stopping and starting the build to search for parts.

I'm a little confused about the fuel system at the moment, i understand i will need to fit a fuel pump/lifter and new lines to run the 16v lump? Do i use the pump from the same car i am using for the engine or can i use a race spec pump? As i have a pump in my workshop which i used to use for draining fuel from my track bikes.

I also have a set of ZX9r carbs in the workshop too, would these be difficult to fit to the 16v lump?

Sorry of the q's seem a bit simple, but i am no mechy so need as much help as poss