It actually isn't that much money. Most everyone (except the Chrylser people...for various reasons) already have an aftermarket block.
Valve train components are so far ahead of what they were 25 years ago, and are relatively inexpensive that it doesn't make sense to not use good parts there anyway.
Connecting rods, dampers, lightweight pistons and rings...all that stuff guys are already using anyway.
So cost isn't really a factor.
Now, if you are stuck with OE Chrysler architecture then that's a horse of a different feather.
