How will I know if my studs are still original?
 

I have bought a '74 2.7 engine and installed it in a 912 body. It runs smooth and quiet and doesn't even leak oil (!!!). I have no complaints. However, I have to remove the engine to do a clutch-job and a few other things, and was wondering (while the engine is out):

1. How will I know if the engine has ever been overhauled? Are there any tell-tale signs? Nobody knows the history of the engine, so I have to find it out myself.

2. Is it possible, without removing the heads, to see whether a stud-upgrade was ever performed? I am concerned that the engine has never been overhauled and still has its original studs. It doesn't run hot, but it will certainly be good to know for future reference.

Thanks
Martin

It's not so much the studs but the case you have to worry about. Even if the timesert upgrade has been done there is no way of knowing if the case was machined properly.
When you adjust the valve you can check the tightness of the cylinder head nuts..if they are loose it needs a rebuild.