Unreal intake manifold cost

It's nothing more than the economy...parts will sell for whatever someone is willing to pay. I bought an engine ...sold the air gap it came with, they look ugly to me and are a poor choice for the street.I bolted on an old Weiand i paid $56 for on E bay. The car runs fantastic!
... 340's properly built will run in the 10's with stock cast iron intakes. I don't know what it is about aluminum intakes?
If you must have an aluminum intake the older Torker is a great looking piece.I have used them, they run hard and can be had for chicken feed!