where are you located and what are the emission requirements for your state?
does he remember where he had the work done? if so you might be able to talk to his wrench and get some history. if he has good things to say about the car and you like the shop you may want to have him do a partial PPI checking compression & leak down numbers, cut open the oil filter, find out id the thermal reactors are still in place (bad thing), or if there are any pulled head studs.
otherwise take it to another shop and have a PPI done. have them at least do what I suggest above in the look-see. a non smog test state it might be a fine car. in CA or CO you are fuched with anything 76 and older.
if you've not researched the pitfalls of the 2.7 engine shame on you for coming to class unprepared....
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