How can I tell if my engine was ever rebuilt?

[Gordo2]

Last October I bought an '83 SC without any documentation. I brought it to a local Porsche place to have a PPI and they found no major problems (I didn't have the valve covers removed for the PPI...) It had 165,000 miles on it but had good compression and ran great.

Over the past year I have been working on it here and there and learning more about 911's. I have found the car has:
-Oil fed tensioners (knew to look for them when I bought it)
-Turbo valve covers
-Rebuilt pedal cluster (brass bushings all around)

I'm going to give it a valve adjustment soon. Though it runs great I have been preparing myself for worst (broken head stud(s)).

If I don't find any broken studs I feel I really have to question if the car ever had any significant motor work done (top end rebuilt?).

Is there any way to confirm if an engine has been rebuilt?

I tried to track back through previous owners but got crapped on by the guy who last owned the car.

Thanks, Gordo

[RoninLB]

if you can see the case sealant color? it may be a lead.. or rear main seal style? or case savers?

[Wayne 962]

Unless, you're an expert, it's hard to tell. Tiny, subtle things may be different, but you would only notice that if you have torn down several from that same year range...

-Wayne

[JackT]

Gordo,
Why are you assuming it has broken head studs?

[BGCarrera32]

Take a look at the exhaust studs and nuts. If they look newer, but the exhaust looks original, could be a clue. But, could have been an exhaust leak that warranted removal. Hard to tell...