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 STR 514 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 RSX Type-S builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the STR 514 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: STR 514 on the Acura RSX Type-S 2006
I walked up to this RSX and immediately noticed how those 17x9 STR 514s completely changed the posture of the car. Running a 17x9 square setup on an RSX is a bold move, but it fills those wheel wells perfectly. That +20 offset pushes the wheels way out toward the fender edge for that aggressive, wide stance.
Most folks struggle with the front caliper clearance on the DC5 chassis, but these STRs clear the Type-S brakes without needing any spacers. The hub bore matches up nicely, so you get a vibration-free ride if you use proper hub-centric rings. I checked the back, and the barrel lip depth on these 17x9s provides that classic deep-dish look that everyone loves.
The lowering springs tighten up the fender gap, but they also bring the tire dangerously close to the metal. Because we are rocking a +20 offset, the outer rim sits right flush with the arch. You will definitely feel that clearance tension if you hit a hard bump on the highway.
The spoke design on the 514s curves inward, which adds a lot of depth to the visual profile of the car. It makes the 17-inch diameter look purposeful rather than oversized. The mesh pattern keeps the look classic and clean while showing off enough of the factory rotor.
You need to watch out for rubbing on the fender liners during full-lock turns. With this width and offset, the tire shoulder will likely kiss the plastic lining unless you trim it back. I always tell owners to heat up the liners and push them back for a little extra breathing room.
Running this setup on lowering springs is a smart middle ground for daily driving. You get the aesthetic of a slammed show car without the constant headache of a track-focused coilover system. Just stay mindful of steep driveways and deep potholes.
Overall, this setup proves that you do not need wild camber to make an RSX look tough. The 17x9 +20 configuration balances the chassis lines perfectly. It is a aggressive fitment that demands respect every time you park.
What We Recommend for Acura RSX Type-S 2006 Owners
When you start shopping for RSX wheels, stick to the 17-inch diameter to keep the car feeling nimble. If you go to 18s, you sacrifice ride quality and add unnecessary unsprung weight. A 17x8 or 17x9 width is the absolute sweet spot for this front-wheel-drive platform.
For your offset, do not go lower than +20 unless you plan on pulling your fenders or running extreme negative camber. A +35 offset is much safer if you want a bolt-on experience with zero rubbing. I always suggest a square setup because it lets you rotate your tires and keeps the handling predictable.
Do not be afraid to roll your fenders to make the fitment work. It is a cheap and permanent fix that gives you the clearance needed for a wider tire. A little bit of stretch on the tire sidewall also helps clear the fender lip when the suspension compresses.
A common mistake I see is people buying heavy, cheap cast wheels that ruin the steering feel of the Type-S. If you go for a design like the STR 514, keep an eye on your overall wheel and tire package weight. You want to keep the car feeling light on its feet, not sluggish.
If you choose to run a meaty tire like a 245/40/17, be prepared for some minor fender liner trimming. If you prefer a thinner profile, a 225/45/17 gives you a slight stretch and plenty of room to tuck. Pick the tire that matches how you actually drive your car.
Style and Build Analysis
The silver finish on these STR 514s creates a timeless contrast against the factory paint. It pops without being gaudy or shouting for attention. Silver is the ultimate choice if you want your car to look sophisticated and clean, rather than like a tuner caricature.
The mesh design of the 514s pays homage to the legendary wheels of the nineties and early two-thousands. It fits the RSX aesthetic perfectly because it leans into the car's era while updating the proportions. The silver paint catches the sun and highlights the intricate pattern of the spokes.
Proportions matter more than anything else in a build like this. By filling the arches properly, the wheels make the RSX look planted and lower than it actually is. It looks ready to attack a mountain road or sit pretty at the local cars and coffee meet.
I have seen hundreds of RSX builds, but few nail the stance this accurately with simple lowering springs. Most people overdo it with too much poke or too little tire. This car keeps the wheels tucked just enough to look factory-plus but aggressive enough to turn heads.
The road presence is undeniable because the wheels push the car's visual weight toward the corners. It gives the RSX a wide-shouldered, athletic look that the factory wheels just cannot replicate. You are looking at a masterclass in budget-friendly, high-impact modification.
Why We Love This Build
Standing next to this RSX, you can see exactly why we love this simple, effective formula. The silver STR 514s glow under the streetlights, and the way they fill the arches gives the car a perfect, hunkered-down look. It feels like a throwback to the golden age of import tuning where clean style meant everything.
There is something special about a build that works this well without overcomplicating the suspension. It strikes the perfect balance between daily utility and pure visual drama. Every time I walk past it, I stop to admire the way the light dances off those silver spokes.
This car is a constant reminder that you do not need a massive budget to make a statement. It is honest, fast, and looks incredible sitting at a standstill. This is the definition of a well-executed street machine.
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: STR 514
- Wheel Size: 17×9 / 17×9
- Offset: 20 / 20
- Wheel Finish: Silver
- Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S001-RFT 245/40 24.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 24.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Lowering Springs
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.
