Rods and pistons aren't headwork though. They're completely separate from a P&P...though probably a wise idea to do if you've got your head off. Though honestly the piston and rod install was so simple (aside from my foolishly and carelessly cracking a compression ring) and required so little in the way of extra tools that it may be easier to do yourself than to pay a shop for. All you need are wrenches and sockets, some oil pan instant gasket, a ring compressor, some oil, feeler gauges, and a bit of time.

No way should the P&P go anywhere near as high as $3,000 unless you're dying to come micrometers from your water jackets. A mild to moderate P&P (which is more than pretty much anyone needs) is probably what you were looking for...though I still don't really understand why.