About This Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 1999 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 1999 sits on a set of 17×8 / 17×8-inch AVID1 AV26 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose AVID1 for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Mitsubishi Eclipse GS builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the AVID1 AV26 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: AVID1 AV26 on the Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 1999
I walked up to this Eclipse at the last meet and immediately clocked the AVID1 AV26 setup. Running a 17x8 square configuration on a 1999 GS is a textbook move for this chassis. It hits that perfect balance between aggressive stance and functional grip.
The +35 offset is the real secret sauce here. It pushes the wheels just flush enough to look intentional without inviting unwanted fender carnage. You get that broad-shouldered look that the 2G Eclipse platform screams for.
Clearing the factory calipers is a breeze with these spokes. I checked the gap, and you have plenty of room to spare. You will not deal with any annoying clearance headaches or caliper interference here.
Since the owner dialed in these coilovers, the wheel tucks just right under the arches. That lowered center of gravity tightens up the whole profile. It really highlights how these 17s bridge the gap between too small and cartoonish.
The hub bore fits up perfectly to the Mitsubishi specs. We love seeing a clean installation that avoids those janky, vibration-prone hub rings. Everything spins true and stays planted on the asphalt.
Watch your inner liner if you decide to go any lower than this current drop. A sharp bump while turning could kiss the plastic shielding. A quick heat gun session or a minor trim fixes that interference in minutes.
The barrel design feels deep enough to give the car some real character. Even with the +35 offset, the spokes have a nice, authoritative reach. It changes the personality of the car from a commuter to a canyon carver.
What We Recommend for Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 1999 Owners
Stick to a square setup if you actually want to drive your Eclipse. Staggered wheels on this front-wheel-drive platform just ruin the handling balance. Keep the 17x8 dimensions consistent across all four corners for predictable rotation.
If you want to play it safe, stay between +30 and +38 offset. Anything lower than +30 starts poking too far and forces you to pull your fenders. Nobody wants to roll their lips unless they are chasing a specific aggressive poke look.
Tire choice matters more than you think on a 17x8 wheel. A 225/45/17 tire is the gold standard for this exact fitment. It gives you a square sidewall that protects your rims from nasty potholes.
Don't be the guy who buys cheap spacers to fix a bad offset choice. Do it right the first time by choosing the right wheel specs from the jump. Save your wheel bearings the unnecessary stress of extra track width.
Check your coilover collar heights before you commit to a specific tire size. You want to avoid rubbing your struts on the inside. If you see less than a pinky-finger gap, grab a small spacer to be safe.
Style and Build Analysis
That matte black finish on the AV26 wheels works overtime against the body lines of this Eclipse. It gives the car a sinister, low-profile aesthetic that really pops in the sunlight. Black on any color creates that dark, brooding vibe we all crave.
The split-spoke design of the AV26 looks modern but keeps a slight nod to 90s tuner culture. It feels right at home on the curvy, organic shape of a 2G Eclipse. It looks like it could have rolled off the lot this way if Mitsubishi had been a bit more daring.
The proportions are spot on because 17 inches is the sweet spot for these cars. Any bigger and the car looks like a wagon; any smaller and the brakes look lost. This size fills the wheel wells perfectly without looking forced.
I compare this build to some of the heavy hitters we feature on the site. It does not need a massive wing or a wild widebody kit to grab eyes. The simple, clean stance does all the heavy lifting here.
Road presence is all about the details, and this owner nailed it. The black wheels don't distract from the car; they frame it. It is a masterclass in subtle, effective modifications that actually improve the ride.
Why We Love This Build
This Eclipse hits differently because it respects the heritage of the 2G platform. The black AV26 wheels look like they were carved out of coal, gripping the tarmac with a menacing, dark intensity. As the sun hits the metallic paint, the wheels disappear into the shadows of the arches, leaving only a aggressive, hunkered-down silhouette.
We love this build because it feels authentic and honest. It is not trying to be a show queen; it is a driver’s car built for the street. It reminds us why we fell in love with this hobby in the first place.
Every time I walk past this car, I find myself staring at the fitment. It is the kind of setup that makes you turn around once you park. Go get this look and transform your car 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: Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 1999
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: AVID1 AV26
- Wheel Size: 17×8 / 17×8
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Vercelli Strada II 235/40 24.4″x9.3″ / 235/40 24.4″x9.3″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Mitsubishi Eclipse GS owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 17×8 / 17×8-inch wheels fit my Mitsubishi Eclipse GS? 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS owners run 17×8 / 17×8-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
