He tried to turn it over, it cranked over, but then made this horrible whining noise & smoke came in through his cool intake... what could this be?

I really don't know for sure but if it sounds like you have a belt that mights be to tight and its causing the best to burn,also if the belt is on the alternator to tight its bearning up the alternator which causes smoke also,maybe a little adjustment to tha belt would help.my nissan 240 used to do that so I bought a new alternator and belt.hope this helps a little