Blown head gasket in my pretty convertible, need help/advise

[Shot 98 'stang 3.8L]

Have a 3.8L in my Mustang convertible with a blown head gasket on the left cylinder bank. Have had an estimate to repair that failure at $3,500. Thought I'd consider a salvage yard replacement engine, but my local repair shop only has 3 reputable yards they deal with and they have none. Called a salvage yard in Tampa, FL they had one for $800, but when I reviewed past customer results, most said they shouldn't have touched these guys with a 10' pole.
I checked the reman route and nobody has any 3.8L engines in the works to rebuilt so there's no telling when I might even be able to get an engine.
We want to fix the engine some how since we have owned it for 23 years and it has sentimental value to both my wife and me, but I can't spend outrageous amounts of money on this thing.

Any thoughts or advise or direction I can go?

 

[08GT500]

Hi,
3,500$!? You could have a stock V-6 long-block rebuilt for around that figure.
Have a local automotive machine shop you can trust, locally? If the motor is otherwise solid, ram well before the head gasket popped- was shut down once it occurred- go buy a Haynes technical manual and have at it yourself.
If you’re new to it..nothing to be intimidated by.
Generally, a good automotive machine shop that’s been around a while will help point you in the right direction, and will answer questions you may encounter in the process, and taking a peek at the head that popped the gasket to see if there’s further issues.
A boneyard engine is often a risky venture, never get the exact history would be my advice.
Good luck!

 

[Noobz347]

What year is the car?

 

[08GT500]

98’ Noobs