About This Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 1996 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 1996 sits on a set of 17×9 / 17×9-inch MST MT01 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose MST 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 GSX builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the MST MT01 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: MST MT01 on the Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 1996
I walked around this DSM and immediately noticed how the 17x9 MST MT01 setup changes the vibe. Throwing a 9-inch wide wheel under a 1996 GSX gives it a much needed aggressive stance. That +35 offset keeps the face tucked just enough to look purposeful without looking like a track refugee.
The 17-inch diameter is the absolute sweet spot for the 2G Eclipse chassis. You get enough sidewall to keep the ride compliant while filling out the wheel wells perfectly. These wheels sit flush with the fenders, giving the car a stout, planted look.
Clearance is always the big question with these big four-piston calipers. Luckily, the MT01 spoke design clears the factory GSX brakes without any drama or spacers. You get plenty of room behind those spokes for cooling airflow.
The hub bore on these wheels matches up well, but I always suggest using hub-centric rings for peace of mind. Without them, you might feel a slight vibration at highway speeds. It is a small detail that saves you a massive headache later.
Looking at the barrel, the lip provides just enough depth to catch your eye. It does not go overboard, which keeps the build looking clean and period-correct. The design complements the sharp body lines of the 2G perfectly.
Since this car sits on stock suspension, you have a bit of wheel gap still staring back at you. The tires fill the arch, but a slight drop would really lock this look in. I would watch for rubbing on the inner plastic liners if you decide to go any lower.
Overall, this 17x9 square setup is a massive upgrade over the factory pizza-cutters. It creates a bold look that demands attention at every single stoplight. I love how these wheels transform the entire profile of the car.
What We Recommend for Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 1996 Owners
If you want to replicate this, stick with a 17x9 square setup for the best handling balance. The AWD system on the GSX prefers matching tire diameters to keep the center differential happy. Do not try to stagger the widths unless you want to cook your transfer case.
When it comes to offset, +35 is my personal favorite for the 2G. Anything lower than +30 starts to poke too much and will chew up your rear quarters. Stick close to the +35 range to keep the tires neatly tucked under the arches.
I see guys running way too much tire stretch, and it just looks cheap. Pair these 9-inch wheels with a 245/40/17 tire for a meaty, functional look. You get way more grip, and the sidewall actually protects the rim from curb rash.
If you plan to lower the car on coilovers, you might need to roll the rear fenders slightly. It is a simple job with a heat gun and a roller tool that prevents ugly tire gashes. Do not skip this step if you want to dial in your height.
Avoid cheap spacers if you can possibly help it. They just introduce unnecessary stress on your wheel bearings and studs. Get the offset right the first time so you never have to worry about broken hardware.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze finish on these MT01s pops against the factory paint like nothing else. It feels like a nod to the 90s rally heritage that Mitsubishi built its reputation on. The color adds warmth to the car's aggressive, sharp aesthetic.
The six-spoke design is a classic choice for a car of this era. It feels modern enough to stay relevant but stays true to the JDM styling cues we all love. It creates a perfect harmony between retro cool and street performance.
Proportion is everything when building a 2G DSM. Too small, and the car looks like an economy model; too big, and it looks like a donk. These 17s strike that perfect balance, making the GSX look fast even when it is parked.
I have seen a dozen other wheel setups on these cars, but this one stands out. The simplicity of the MT01 allows the bodywork to do the heavy lifting. It is not trying too hard, which is exactly why it works so well.
This car exudes a "factory plus" energy that I absolutely dig. It looks like the special edition Mitsubishi should have released from the factory. Every time I see it, I am reminded that less is almost always more.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this GSX in the wild brings back every reason I fell in love with DSMs. The bronze wheels catch the afternoon sun, highlighting the aggressive arch lines of the widebody-esque factory styling. It sits with a hungry stance, ready to launch off the line and pin you to the seat.
This build proves that you do not need a garage full of unobtainable parts to make a statement. It is a clean, honest, and high-energy setup that honors the platform perfectly. I would drive this car every single day without changing a single bolt.
It is the kind of build that makes you do a double-take in the parking lot. You deserve to turn heads every time you turn the key.
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 GSX 1996
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: MST MT01
- Wheel Size: 17×9 / 17×9
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Nankang NS-20 245/40 24.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 24.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Stock
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX? 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 GSX owners run 17×9 / 17×9-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
