About This Acura RSX Type-S 2006 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Acura RSX Type-S 2006 sits on a set of 17×9 / 17×9-inch Gram Lights 57DR wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Gram Lights for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Acura RSX Type-S builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Gram Lights 57DR creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Gram Lights 57DR on the Acura RSX Type-S 2006
I walked around this RSX at the show and the 17x9 plus 38 setup looks absolutely perfect. These Gram Lights 57DR wheels fill the wheel wells exactly how a performance street car should. You get that aggressive stance without needing a massive pull on the factory metal.
The 17-inch diameter is the golden ticket for the DC5 chassis. It keeps the rotational mass low while providing enough room for the Type-S calipers to breathe behind those spokes. Anything larger usually kills the nimble handling feel we all love about this platform.
That 38 offset is the sweet spot for these wide barrels. You get just enough poke to look tough without destroying your tires on the inner fender liners. The 9-inch width really helps plant the power when you exit those tight corners.
I checked the clearance at the track and the spokes clear the factory brakes with room to spare. You will not need any spacers to run these wheels safely on your stock hubs. The hub bore matches perfectly so the wheels stay vibration-free at high speeds.
The concave profile on the 57DR is why these wheels look so damn good on a coupe. Those six spokes reach out to the edge and drop deep into the center cap area. It creates a bold, functional aesthetic that screams track-ready machine.
You need to watch your coilover clearance if you run a very stiff spring rate. The inner barrel sits close to the strut housing when you dial in heavy negative camber. A quick adjustment of the top hats usually solves this issue entirely.
Rubbing is a reality if you slam the car too low on these wider wheels. I recommend a slight roll on your front fenders if you plan to tuck tire. Keep the ride height sensible and you will have zero headaches on the street.
What We Recommend for Acura RSX Type-S 2006 Owners
Stick to a square setup if you actually want to drive your RSX hard. Running the same 17x9 size on all four corners makes tire rotation easy and balances the handling. Staggered setups on this front-wheel-drive chassis just induce unnecessary understeer.
Aim for an offset between 35 and 40 for the best results. Anything lower than 35 forces you to compromise on alignment settings or aggressive fender work. We want you driving, not spending every weekend fixing paint cracks in your arches.
Tire selection matters just as much as the wheel choice itself. Pair these 57DR wheels with a 245/40 or 255/40 tire for a meaty, performance-oriented look. Avoid extreme stretch unless you only care about parking at meets.
Do not skimp on your lug nuts when you bolt these on. Use a quality set of extended steel lugs to protect the finish of your new wheels. Cheap hardware will mar the matte black paint the moment you hit the track.
Most guys make the mistake of buying wheels that are too narrow for the car. The 9-inch width is mandatory if you want the tires to perform at their limit. Trust me, the extra grip transforms the way the RSX attacks a mountain road.
Style and Build Analysis
The Matte Black finish on these 57DRs gives the RSX a sinister, no-nonsense vibe. It absorbs the harsh glare of the sun and lets the aggressive geometry of the spokes do the talking. It is a timeless choice that never goes out of style.
The contrast between the black wheels and the clean body lines of the DC5 is pure perfection. It looks purposeful and mean, especially when the car is sitting static at a meet. You can tell this build was put together by someone who respects the JDM roots.
Those six thick spokes provide a great visual anchor for the side profile of the car. They look strong and industrial, matching the crisp styling Acura baked into this chassis. It is not trying too hard, which makes it stand out even more.
I have seen plenty of RSX builds, but this one hits all the right notes. Many people choose flashy chrome or neon colors that look cheap after a few months. This matte black setup looks just as good in five years as it does today.
The proportions are spot on because the wheels don't overwhelm the car's body. They sit flush enough to look intentional but keep the tires tucked safely under the fenders. It is the definition of a clean, well-executed street build.
Why We Love This Build
This RSX is the exact reason I fell in love with the import scene. The matte black 57DRs catch the light just right, highlighting the sharp edges of the DC5 chassis. Everything about the stance screams precision and raw capability.
Every time I walk past this car, I have to stop and admire how the wheels tuck under the fenders. It is aggressive without being tacky, and that is a hard balance to hit. This is the blueprint for how a Type-S should look on the road.
If you want to turn heads while keeping your car functional, this is the way to do it. You need these wheels in your life. Stop overthinking your fitment and get this setup bolted on today.
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 RSX Type-S 2006
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Gram Lights 57DR
- Wheel Size: 17×9 / 17×9
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Wheel Finish: Matte Black
- Tires: Falken Azenis RT660 245/40 24.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 24.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Acura RSX Type-S owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 17×9 / 17×9-inch wheels fit my Acura RSX 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 RSX Type-S owners run 17×9 / 17×9-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
