This is very true. Are you dead set on having a v8 though. Hot slants are rare and to me that makes them cool. I went down the same path as you and had a v8 in the car by the time I was 18. There are days now though that I miss the slant and the mentality I had with it. My friends and I would take the car anywhere without even thinking. Now that I am older and my car is less practicle it just doesn't happen.
DONT BE IN A HURRY TO GO FAST. Enjoy your time with the slant!