Adding to the dozen...

Just read this:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/dirty-dozen/

Loved it. What other cars would you guys add to this list?

Any FWD celica you can find in decent shape for $2k.
DA Integras
2nd gen MX6/Probe
AW11 MR2

Guess what i'm going to say: K-cars!!

Pros: Incredibly common, incredibly cheap, numerous body styles (variety), almost 100% interchangeability, VERY strong motors, most have very strong transmissions.

Cons: Almost no cool-factor (unless you think sleepers are cool). Open differential FWD (can be fixed). Almost no chance of re-selling car when done with it.

Buying Advice: Spend as little as possible. You can build a 13 second car for $500 if you buy/spend wisely. Otherwise, use your usual used-car judgement and go for the higher trim turbo models with more/better factory equipment like bigger turbo, intercooler, better trans ratios, etc.

Insider information: Its nice to not have to worry about transmissions with the torque these motors crank out. 5spds have gone 10s, autos have gone 8s @180. 500+hp capable clutches are $250-450. Avoid a tranny with a-460, a-465, or a-525 on the bellhousing tag. Those are the weak ones.

Oh, and just for kicks, heres a list of all the cars that finished below me at my last autocross in the Dodge aries (in SM on street tires), straight out of the jan '10 results from my local club:

Corvette, Miata, 1999 M Coupe, 1997 BMW M3, Mazda Miata, 2003 Miata, Mitsubishi Evo, Nissan 240SX, Miata, 2003 Miata, 2001 VW GTI, Integra, Subaru, Subaru STI, Lexus IS300, 2007 Civic Si, 2001 Cavalier, Mazda Miata, rx7, 1979 RX7, Mustang.