Blown Head Gasket, but still attached., 98 Celica, Hot Engine, Bursting, Sound of Metal Hidding Road... Options

[Str4yl1ght]

Hi,

I've owned a Celica for some time (about 7 years) and have been to this site from time to time, but never thought of modifying my car in any way.

It recently blew a head gasket (which is what i've been told) and i haven't yet had it looked at professionally, given i clearly have no real idea, and didn't want to engage anyone without doing a little research of my own first.

I could buy a new car on a business lease or something, but to be honest i'm kind of attached to the car, when faced with something brand new and shiny, i feel a hole in my heart that it's not my bang up car that draws a hundred insults but everyone seems to smile about it.

I hear that cars with an allow block are completely borked when the head gasket blows, and require a new engine - or it's generally the best approach for longevity.

Can anyone recommend a good Celica specialist who can replace the engine at a reasonable cost? I'm happy to buy one overseas and have it delivered to said shop/organisation, but i'll need them to do... pretty much everything else

Can anyone give some advice to a dude who didnt' realise how much he liked his first serious car, and kinda wants it back on the road again.

I know this is a question that's less celica related and more cars in general, however you guys being the obvious experts, i wanted to at least ask here and see where is recommended.