head gasket for 88 zx turbo

[88zxturbo]

OK, my 1988 zx turbo apparently has blown a head gasket. The sucker just smokes AFTER startup. It is essentially undrivable. I'm thinking that it may be the end for the best car I have ever owned. 117,000 miles, needs other, probably minor work. Is it scrapheap or sell to a mechanic for pennies or worth paying for repair? - I can't do it myself, though I'd love to learn.

I've heard all kinds of numbers, but what am I legitimately looking at from a qualified repair shop? $500? $1000 or more?

The book on it is about $1650, but I am sure I will never find another car this nice for that money. With the head gasket and smoke, how much could I sell it for? Even imperfect, it's a Z with T-Tops and fun.

Anybody interested in doing the repair, you can stay right here at my house for a few days in Rochester, NY (I know, it sucks). My plan was to head south in the Z for the winter. Looks like I'll be chillin' up north now.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm kind of devastated over this.