Camaros are probably a bit outta your leauge but if you like Novas, I'd go that route. If you stick to the 68-72's there are plenty of good soild buildable or restorable cars out there for a great price. I see those years of novas go for $1000-2500 as running drivers needing TLC and project cars for as low as $500. There are a TON of aftermarket parts for these Novas so I'd say that's your best bet. I have yet to see a premo Nova sell for more than $4500. I see them for more than that but they never seem to sell. Unless they are heavily modified of course. I was just referring to better than stock restos.

Another car you might want to consider is the '78-'82 Malibu Classics. Yeah I know Booooorrrriinnnggg. I had one and it was one car I really enjoyed driving long distances in. They are really lightweight and easy big-block canidates as well as super easy to dump in a 500 Caddy engine. (i wanted to do that to mine) Look into them, thay are dirt cheap and really easy to make go fast.