QFT the 2.8L is junk and you can hardly find them.
Try taking a look for an early 90's Grand Prix. From about 91-96, they had the 3.1L which is a very decent motor that parts can be found all over hell. The biggest problems you might have as everyone knows, intake gaskets which can a learning lesson as you mentioned you would like him to have.
Its FWD, and not too much HP but enough to get out of its own way, and doesn't do all that bad in the snow