Is this engine builder nuts?

I did a 318 build a few years ago that consisted of a shortblock refresh (factory cast pistons), [email protected] duration HFT cam, ported (by me) 318 heads, aluminum intake, 600 Holley DP, headers and recurved ignition. Coupled that to a 904/2500 stall and 3.91 SG 8.25 rearend in a '75 Dart Sport. I had hardly any money in that combination and it could have easily passed as a 340 for as good as it ran. I could have put a cheap 100 horse NOS kit if I needed more. The point is you don't need "350 horsepower" to have a fun car. Either build a 360 or build a budget 318 and have fun. Going custom forged pistons and a roller cam is a waste of money for a 318 IMO. For everything the machinist quoted, and him building the motor, his price seemed fair to me.