I couldn’t even start to imagine

Piston change only is stupid. What you’re really looking at are the F.A.S.T. guys. Looks stock….. & that’s where it ends. For what they are, they’re pricey engines.
They have to run the factory air cleaner housing and exhaust manifolds. Ignition system is limited to a curve kit, no porting of any kind is allowed on the cylinder heads. Rocker arm's have to be factory too. I don't see how they are pricey. They meet once a year in september in Michigan.