I don't know for a certainty what shipping costs are, however I know what people are paying for shipping from the US to Australia... about $AU3200, which is about $US2900.
When the basic car comes pretty cheap, it makes it fairly attractive, I would think, as a proposition to get something so unique.
As for the forged pistons, they are so much lighter and stronger that I think they're worthwhile as a reliability feature. You'll be able to get them made without spending too much... custom Ross pistons for Ben's 318 Poly were quoted at $650 the set. I don't think that's outrageous if it allows you to spin it harder and safer.
