good for a beging tuner- Any suggestions?

I am wondering what cars would be good for a begining tuner with a mid-to low budget. Basically something one could get used for under $8,000 with a fairly high power potential. The car would not be a daily driver. Oh, and I am not really an American muscle kind of guy so I probably wont consider any american uscle cars, sorry. Anyways, Some cars that I am looking at are are: 2g mitsubishi eclipe GST, Nissan 300zx, Nissan 240sx-all years, Integra GSR, and 3000gt. I have about $1,600 saved up for after market upgrades so far. Any suggestions or opinions would be appreciated, Thanks. :)