MK1 golf... any1 help with tuning ideas / engine swap please

iv just bought my self my first mk1 golf so im all very new to this, its a 1981 gls with a gti trim in gunship grey, its a 1.5 auto and havnt a clue where to start with how to get the most out of the engine? is their much i can do to get more from the 1.5 engine?and as for  engine swap wnt be till until end of ths year…. but any1 got any idea's of best/easiest engine to drop in considering its a got an auto gearbox…. hope some1 can help cheers

First off, welcome to Mk1 Volkswagen Golf Ownership.

Your options are pretty massive,

You have a big block engine car so you could quite easily drop a gti engine with a manual box (im guessin you want a manual otherwise performance wouldn't be the first thing on your mind lol) This shouldn't be too expensive or hard as generally speaking (as long as you have all the right bits) its a straight swap.

First off though, give the 1.5 lump a good service (oil, filters, plugs, leads/dizzy/rotor etc, do timing and double check fuel mixture) All mk1 golf engines respond well to this and you will soon see a difference in acceleration and top end speed. Next step is to get your car breathing right/better - generally a new weber carb is the way to go. Next is a free flow air filter an exhaust. Your next step will be to port and polish the head, at which point you may as well have swapped the engine for less money/time etc etc

Either way, just enjoy the car - and treat it with some respect!! :-)