It isn't that there is $9K worth of parts in the thing. It would make sense to me if there is a line of vintage guys getting their atlantic and Super Vee motors done that are paying more than $9K.
[/b]
True, but there is a lot of labor involved, fitting +.040 pistons and honing. Truing up the journals and rod prep and balancing. Crank/rod/piston balancing. Head flowing, valve guide sizing and valve grinding. Where do you stop?
BTW, there IS a line of vintage and F/C guys paying more than $9K. Saw a fresh 2.0 xflow drysump on Ebay , guy wanted $20 large.