the stock springs are good to .500 lift, a bcam (.480) with some 1.7's would put you around .520 if I remember corectly, yes you should gain some more hp with the 1.7's, however technically you are supposed to run 1.6's with this cam, it doesnt really matter though.. I never felt a difference in hp in my ride, and I liked it quieter with out the rr's so I put stock back in, but if you are lookin for the most out of a combo this would help a little...
For the debate lets say;
Spring rate, pressure, compressed and open tolerances are correct for 1.7 rockers.
Retainers allow increased lift and clearance from rockers.
Rocker tip to valve stem alignment are correct (pushrod length are correct).
Lifters are in working order.
No oiling issues.
Why would 1.7 rockers be any noisier than 1.6 ratio?
Where, how, when is the power increased?
It's my experience most people forego/skip;
Degreeing the camshaft
Ensuring proper pushrod length and rocker tip alignment
Proper "on the base" and "on the nose" spring pressure
Using new, and/or tested lifters
Upgrading to a larger stud, stud girdles, shaft rockers.
I've made those mistakes in the past... now I know a little better, not much... but leaps and bounds more than my past.