Nitto NT555R Drag Radials
I have Nitto 555R on my Demon, 275/50-15. Much sticker than your standard street radial tire. Like any DOT approved street Drag Radial they are not the best for canyon carving because of flexable sidewall. But as you say, they are less expensive than the MT, and if you don't care so much about "slot car" like cornering, don't drive a lot in the rain, and you do more street driving and only visit the 1/4 mile strip a few times a year they are the better choice...in my opinion.