Plymouth Repair: NEW ENGINE OR REPAIR HEAD, plymouth voyager, pep boys

Question
Hi Pete, thanks for taking my question.

  I have a 1992 Plymouth Voyager van that i've had to just put in some maintenance/repair work.
The van belonged to 1 owner who kept it up immaculately.

  The other day, out of thin air, all this blooming gray/white smoke came out of it and covered the entire van. I've brought it into Pep Brothers to private mechanics with always the same comlaint.  EVERYDAY I HAVE TO PUT IN A GALLON OF PRESTONE TO KEEP IF RUNNING. Finally a mechanic told me it is the "head" that has to be replaced & will cost approximately $800 dollars (if the machine shop says it can be fixed).
 I am just wondering approximately would a whole new engine cost, and if you have any expertise, advice, opinion, etc. about what to do.

  I thank you & appreciate your help in advance. Thanks.


Answer
hello
i would do just do the head gasket . plus i would have another shop do the job i have heard a lot of bad things about pep boys . it is proulbly just head gasket and that job in my shop would be 500 and most all shops and are better than pep boys a new motor is 3000 pete