Nitto
Though the name may not be very familiar with Chevy enthusiasts, Nitto tires are common on a lot of performance import cars, so there's no reason they can't work well on domestic machines. Nitto's "ultra-high-performance" offering includes the NT-555 Extreme ZR, which is designed to provide superior, reliable traction in wet or dry conditions. It also offers high-speed stability, a quiet ride and a variety of sizes. Nitto Tires: 1055 W. Seventh St., Floor 32, Dept. SC, Los Angeles, CA 90017; (800) 581-2985; www.nittotire.com.
Toyo Tire
While many may turn up their nose at the thought of buying a Japanese-made tire, Toyo is quickly gaining a reputation for turning out top-notch performance rubber. The Proxes line features ultra-high-performance, high-performance, and high-performance touring offerings for passenger cars and trucks. Top-of-the-line Proxes offerings, such as the T1-S shown, feature DSOC technology, which uses a supercomputer to simulate tire behavior under a variety of running conditions. More sedate Proxes models like the FZ4 offer great all-around, all-season performance and would probably work great on older musclecars. Toyo Tire: 6415 Katella Ave., Ste. 200, Dept. SC, Cypress, CA 90630; (800) 678-3250; www.toyo.com.
Yokohama
A lot of folks associate Yokohama with import cars, but the company makes a wide range of radials that are appropriate for all sorts of performance cars. For instance, the AVID S/T is a traditional-looking radial that would look right at home on an older musclecar while providing it with a performance grip, long treadwear, and impressive bad-weather traction. It's available in 14- and 15-inch sizes with 50-, 60-, 65- and 70-series sidewalls. On the other hand, the aggressive A520 is an ultra-high-performance radial featuring race-proven technology. In addition to providing excellent cornering ability and response, it's also ZR speed rated. Yokohama: 601 S. Acacia Ave., Dept. SC, Fullerton, CA 92831; (800) 423-4544; www.yokohamatire.com