18 inch DR's are rough. I can only get mid 1.7's out of mine, and they snapped my rear end and caused other damage. The sidewall is small, and harder. You are better off going with a 16-17 inch tire with a drag radial or even better, a softer tire like a ET street.
I've run every set of drag radial, except the new NT 05R's
If you are set on a set of DR's for the strip..
BFG 275/35R18s-25.6 inches in height
BFG 295/35R18s-26.2 inches in height
NT05R 285/40's-27.09 inches in height
Nitto does not make the NT05 18 inch tire in the 25.5-26.5 inch range, so I would advise against that tire.
I would go with the BFG 275's on the 9 inch wheel with your power, gearing. The overall height of the tire is smaller, maximizing your gearing.
I had the Nitto 555R (DR) 305-40-18 on my Roush 18x9s they bulged a little but fit ok! Nitto tires run a bit smaller, i had the 275s and they looked wimpy! Best 60ft out of the Nittos was 1.8 for me. Also had the BFG DRs and they run a bit wider then the Nitto! The BFGs hooked waaaay better once they where broken in, very consistent
Yeah those are the ones with the new tread pattern, i had the older ones! My buddy has those i think in a 285-35-18 on a 02 GT with a KB pushing 475hp, look awesome and he says they hook well? He runs high 11s low 12s.