dan0617 wrote:
I noticed no handling difference whatsoever when I went from regular old radials to Nitto 555R drag radials. The only difference I noticed at all is that the rear rides a little softer, which in my (and my wife's) opinions it rode too harsh before anyway. I only run 22 psi in the Nittos which helps contribute to the soft ride, if I pump them up to 40 psi the ride is not quite as soft but the traction isn't quite as good either. But as far as handling, no difference. The Nitto's are wearing nicely too, about 3,000 miles on them and quite a few big smoky burnouts and they still look almost like new.

I know you don't have the budget for rims/tires, but you could watch on camaroz28.com for sale section for a pair of Nitto's used. They go for pretty cheap. Unbolt the front sway bar for free, let the PSI down in your current tires for free, put the positive camber in when you put the new rear in and align it. That should help you quite a bit right there. Put a used pair of Nittos on when you can get about $150 or so to spend. Save up for wider rims/tires next year.