IMHO, the #1 performance mod for an MS170 or MS180 is to install a side adjust chain tensioner from an MS250.
This quick part swap will, hands down, save you SO MUCH time and aggravation in the field.
I'd bend out the exhaust ports out and let the rest of it alone. The second the carb give you trouble, upgrade. The filter system on this is designed like a happy meal toy and if anything is out of alignment you're sucking dust. On one of mine the brake handle lever was bumping the top cover and slightly lifting it out of place compromising the filter alignment. DREMEL to the rescue. This could have been partly due to FleeBay ChiCom engine 180 upgrade. Who knows if the dimensions where true to OEM spec.
I run a toasted 170 to 180 conversion with AM wt215 carb. It's hard to hear the 1st burp and tuning in the cut is a must. I think this is a byproduct of the big carb.