I dunno, insane prices for any Jap parts, especially engine bits seems the norm these days.
I had a look and yeah a RB28 short block is $US14500! http://www.tomei-p.co.jp/_2003web-catalogu...-com-eng-e2.htm
Oh and like you said R31Nismoid, the RB28 kit with just the rods, pistons and crank is around $10k including GST. http://hioctaneracing.com.au/eshop/product...products_id=599
Haha speaking of GT-R snobs, I was talking to one the other day, he tried to make me look like an idiot because of things not 100% in my car, then proceeded to try and lie and exaggerate about the cost of parts for his. Given that he runs a dodgy parts business, I wasn't impressed.
Some of us do have more money than others and can love their cars more, buy a GT-R vs GTS-T and whatnot. There are also those folk who prefer the ole rear wheel drive. There's no reason to look down on those of us who only have a Skyline with one ball, or missing two legs.
AND what about those poor misguided souls who have a love for ye olde R31's, all people like R31Nismoid can do is stuff a '26 in dere, and hope for the best, all the while wishing that they had some ATTESSA to go