Quality work and parts cost, that's how it is. No matter what hobby you are into there's going to be some sort of investment whether it's money or time or both. I know that rebuilding a engine isn't cheap, but careful shopping for the parts can save you money. I know guys who buy all of their parts from e bay stores, the parts are name brands and they are cheaper than going through most other suppliers. I was shocked when a friend of mine found a set of headers for a sbm in a A body for $169.00 and other places wanted like $600. It pays to shop around