Opinions wanted on Dunlop Direzza DZ102

I'm looking for a good summer-only daily driver tire for my Evo X. It may see some track/autocross time. I will be mounting up 265/35R18 sized tires to a new set of 18x10.5 wheels, stock ride height so no rubbing expected.

The Dunlop looks like it might meet the sweet spot of price and performance. Does anyone here have any opinions on it? I've used Michelin Pilot Super Sports and Pirelli P-Zeros on my former 2013 Mustang, so those are a known quantity to me.

I'm only a thousand miles in on mine, but I love them. Wet and dry they've done everything I've wanted them to so far, the real test will be first autocross next weekend. I can report back afterwards if you want.

Friend just put a set on his 'speed3 on a set of aftermarket 17s. Devil of a time getting them balanced. Rims were confirmed true and in balance and after road force balancing, Tire rack swapped out a tire, dunno how satisfied he was with the outcome. In that category and size and price range, I'd be looking at Yokohama S-drives. Had good luck with those and though they're an older design, still a respectable tire.

I'm also looking at the UHP summer category and from what I've read they are all pretty close. I'm looking for ultimate grip on the cheap, and based on that criteria the BFGoodrich Sport Comp 2 seems to be the best, for what little difference there is. It also has a stiff sidewall, similar to the DZ102 but unlike some of the others.

The BFGs sound great, too. No personal experience, but that may be my next street tire. That or Conti DWs. In your size, OP, you're looking at about $20 extra per corner.

I drove a few thousand miles on mine on a Impreza 2.5rs. No autocross but they did well for the street and some rallycross (hard pack clay). I would probably buy them again but I am still partial to Yoko S.Drives.

Comp-2s. Just do it, you won't regret it. I speak from experience: they out-perform the DZ 102 in every category.

My favorite feature of the DZ101 was its HUGE rim protector lip. Otherwise they were pretty bleh. Can anyone comment on whether the DZ102 has a beefy rim protector lip?

In reply to Vigo:

I don't think it's that big, but I could be wrong

Yeah, looks more on the normal side. The old ones the lip was so big it could really change the look of a wheel/tire combo. I have some on my Lebaron right now, i'll post a pic later. Thanks for the response!

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!