I fly behind a 66 year old engine (it has been rebuilt a few times) and I prefer to slow down at the end of the downwind and then make a curving approach at idle power with full flap (effective) and using sideslips as necessary to position for the end of the runway. Carb heat isn't an issue as it is automatically on when the throttle is set for anything less than full power. I always feel that I've let myself down if I have to touch the throttle.
I feel that glide approaches should be practised as you are effectively practising a PFL without any possibiliity of breaching the 500' rule.
One instructor I flew with had a great way of focusing the attention of his student. He'd get the student to position the aircraft over the middle of the airfield (3 runways ex B-24 base) and then turn the magnetos off.
Certainly got the attention of the occupier of the LHS.