About This Acura CL Type-S 2001 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Acura CL Type-S 2001 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×9.5-inch STR 601 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose STR for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Acura CL Type-S builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the STR 601 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: STR 601 on the Acura CL Type-S 2001
I walked around this CL Type-S for twenty minutes just to soak in the stance. Running 18x8.5 up front and 18x9.5 in the rear totally changes the vibe of this chassis. We rarely see people go this aggressive on the CL platform, but it works.
The front offset sits at 30, which puts the wheel right where it needs to be. It clears the stock Type-S calipers without us needing to hunt for thick spacers. You get a clean look that keeps the steering geometry feeling sharp and responsive.
Moving to the rear, the 18x9.5 with a 20 offset pushes the limits of the factory quarter panels. We noticed the inner barrel clears the trailing arm linkage just fine. That extra inch of width in the back gives the car a planted, muscular look that the stock wheels just cannot touch.
The hub bore sits perfectly, so we avoided any sketchy adapter rings that cause vibration. These STR 601s feature a multi-spoke design that hides the hub hardware well. I love how the spokes extend to the edge of the rim, making the 18-inch diameter look even larger.
The coilovers on this build drop the ride height just enough to kill the unsightly fender gap. We checked the clearance at full lock and found zero interference with the plastic fender liners. You might get a slight rub if you hit a massive bump at high speed, but it stays manageable.
That rear deep-dish lip really pops because of the lower offset. It creates a massive visual difference compared to the flatter profile on the front wheels. This setup demands a firm spring rate to prevent the tires from chewing up the fender tabs.
I always warn guys to roll those rear fenders before committing to an 18x9.5 with a 20 offset. You do not want to destroy your tires the first time you hit a dip in the road. Keep your alignment dialed in, and this setup stays incredibly functional.
What We Recommend for Acura CL Type-S 2001 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to the 18-inch wheel diameter. Anything larger looks like a wagon wheel, and anything smaller gets lost in these rounded wheel arches. It is the perfect middle ground for the CL chassis.
We usually push for a square setup if you prioritize tire rotations and neutral handling. However, the staggered look on this specific build makes such a huge aesthetic impact that I cannot complain. Just be prepared to run different tire sizes if you go this route.
Do not skip the fender roll if you choose aggressive offsets. These CLs have thin metal lips that love to grab your tire sidewalls during hard cornering. A clean roll keeps your paint intact and your tires healthy.
Watch your tire sizing to keep your speedometer accurate. We recommend a lower profile tire to ensure you keep clearance around the strut bodies. A 225 or 235 width usually provides the right amount of stretch without looking dangerous.
Stay away from massive spacers unless you absolutely need them for brake clearance. They ruin your scrub radius and put unnecessary stress on your wheel bearings. Our favorite builds keep the wheel bolted directly to the hub whenever possible.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gunmetal finish on these STR 601s creates a moody, industrial aesthetic against the Acura paint. It is not as harsh as a glossy black, but it provides way more contrast than silver. This color choice keeps the car looking sophisticated yet aggressive.
The mesh-style spoke pattern nods to classic tuner culture while looking fresh on a 2000s coupe. We love how the spokes catch the light as the car rolls down the street. It gives the wheel a sense of constant motion, even when parked.
Proportions make or break a build, and this one hits the mark perfectly. The rear wheels bulge just enough to hint at the car's potential without looking like a cartoon. It strikes a balance between a track-ready machine and a clean street cruiser.
Compared to other CL builds we have featured, this one feels the most intentional. Most owners pick wheels that look like cheap catalog swaps, but these STRs feel custom-made for the body lines. It brings the car into the modern era without losing its original identity.
We saw this car parked under streetlights, and the way the Gunmetal finish shifted tones was unreal. The wheels look dark and recessed in the shadows, then sparkle the moment they hit the light. It is a subtle detail that sets a high-end build apart from a basic daily driver.
Why We Love This Build
We love this build because it proves the Acura CL Type-S still has soul. Watching the Gunmetal STR 601s fill those arches makes the car feel wide, low, and ready to attack a winding canyon road. It turns a forgotten luxury coupe into a total head-turner that commands attention at every single stoplight.
The light catches those intricate spokes perfectly while the deep rear barrels anchor the car to the pavement. It is the kind of fitment that makes you walk away and look back twice every single time you park. This build captures the exact spirit of why we started modding cars in the first place. You need this setup.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Acura CL Type-S 2001
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: STR 601
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 30 / 20
- Wheel Finish: Gunmetal
- Tires: Pirelli P-zero 245/35 24.8″x9.6″ / 255/35 25″x10″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Acura CL Type-S owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×8.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels fit my Acura CL Type-S? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Acura CL Type-S owners run 18×8.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
