Headstuds: checking and replacing

I've not idea about the condition of mine. But suppose I checked them and they were nice and tight. Is it possible to then replace them with the newer ones sold Without dismantling the engine? Just unscrew them, put in the new ones, and whammo?
I know this is stupid. Nothing is this easy, but I figured I'd ask anyway.

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Kurt B
1984 911 Carrera Cabriolet
75 914 1.8

I wouldn't call it a stupid question, because it indicates concern about something which seems to be a growing problem with corrosion of what was once considered to be a 'bulletproof' product ... Dilivar head studs!

No, I don't think there is any way to get at the studs to pull them out with the engine in place.

To get some idea about whether you should be truly concerned after 16-17 years of aging and environmental exposure, I suggest a thorough cleaning of the underside of your engine/transaxle, followed by a thorough inspection of all exposed fasteners that are subject to corrosion ... cadmium plated, black oxide, zinc-plated, etc. Also, any exposed bare metal, such as the black-painted sheetmetal, chipped, etc. If there is noticable corrosion in any or all of the places I mentioned, then it may be time to plan for the inevitable replacement of the lower 12 head studs ... the upper 12 are still 'plain' steel in non-turbo engines. In the meantime, I recommend checking the tightness of all 24 studs at every valve adjustment in the future!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

The replacement of the studs requires heating of the area to loosen the adhesives on the threads where the studs are seated....not a good idea with a motor that is not torn down.....