Converting to .3ds is really his best option. You can't convert straight from max 8 to .mod and trying any other work-around would just screw with the model even more. My advice would be to remove the smoothing groups, export to .3ds, import in max 3, 4, or 5, redo smoothing groups, and then export to .mod. Of course this would require knowing someone with max 3, 4, or 5 who is able and willing to let your friend use it.