i had the old 2.3 in my first car with a 5 speed. If you care about him get it fixed and sell it for double. Go buy a good car. Otherwise get really used to changing these head gaskets. Mine went twice. Right about 20,000 miles each time. Start memorizing the procedure now.

Nope definitely don't cae that much.

Don't get me wrong, I would help out.... but "do it for you?" No thanks.

Beside, the bearings have been sitting in there for more than a week. The engine is toast.
A v6 swap is possible but the rest of the car isn't in good enough shape to break even; not that they have the money to invest into it either.