I'll have to agree with you. Slap on a nice single kit, some fuel, and a nice EMS and that car will see 700 all day long on a stock block. If you really want to make power and not break the bank that's how to do it. I'm not super familiar with the VQ but I'm willing to bet you'd at least need a good set of rods and pistons. Add in the labor and machining of the block and you're probably well over $4000. It's late....comment back and I'll put more thought and effort into my responses tomorrow.