Saw some things about the VANOS, so I don't know. I got to looking around on them though and most of the replacement parts weren't that bad, at least from Rock Auto anyhow. You can get the 80's early 90's automatic Vettes for 4K quite easily. The problem is finding the 89-96 6-speed. They're usually lower mileage and cleaner, but of course that means they're more expensive. So kind of gave up on that one for now. I could sell off all of my music gear and get one, but that's not happening.
That's ok I think I'll just end up with a 94-02 F-body. I keep coming back to them for a reason, despite them being a bitch to do anything under the hood and having the world's cheapest interior. At least I can fix most of the interior if I want to. Apparently installing headers helps quite a bit on future spark plug changes, so that'd be nice. My dad's Z28 was very stout and reliable aside from the automatic transmission. So I imagine one with the Borg Warner T-56 must be pretty much the bee's knees. I just see myself more at home in that kind of car. Of course I'd still consider the Miata since it's at the other end of spectrum, where as the BMW and 240SX are just kind of there in between them. I would say the Mustang, but I don't want to spend a small fortune on the suspension to bring it up to my expectations. Besides, just look how bad ass the F-body is:


Also it's amazing how much light covers do for the Camaro:

275 hp at 5,000 and 325 ft lb at 2,400. With a good deal to be made just in redoing the exhaust and air intake. Of course if it hasn't been taken care of already, CAGS will have to go.