1.8 carb engine replacement options

My 1.8 clipper is starting to get a bit smoky at 165000 miles. Are there any simple replacement engies available ? e.g. there are lots of MK 3 1.8 motors at reasonable money - would these fit?

In my opinion the price you would pay for a new engine out of another car and all the labour costs in doing it you might aswell just pay for an engine rebuild. That way you know the engine will be good unlike a replacement where you cannot guarentee. Also it will keep your golf standard which seems to be something that is rare these days which as the price of the mk1 rises in years to come  will benefit you greatly. But as I say that is my opinion.
There are plenty of companies out there who will do a nice job of rebuilding your engine.

have you any recomendations for rebuilding companies?

Unfortunately not, however there are loads of top lads on here who will be able to point you in the right direction

what is your ability with the spanner m8, not that hard to do, i would say hardest part is getting the dam thing out the engine bay from there your home dry