Raise it to get the timing gear and cam out, or just to get the timing gear off the crank?
Just to get it out of the car. The gear I managed to pull off the crank without raising as far as I remember. I did, however, have to remove the radiator, fan, and hoses to get me big hands in there. It was a real PITA but it came out eventually. Getting it back on was worse, however.
To get the cam out without pulling the engine I raised the engine as high as it would go, removed the grill and radiator, and pulled it right out the front.
If you need to change the cam gear you have to pull the cam out as well as it's pressed on.
My advice was just for the cover and not the whole thing. If he pulls the cover he can replace that front gasket. He'll also need to remove the crank pulley to do it (and should probably go ahead and get a new seal there too) but it's easier than pulling the entire engine. It's a Saturday job this way rather than 2 weekends.
