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 Volk 57cr wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Volk 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 Volk 57cr creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Volk 57cr on the Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 1996
I walked around this 1996 GSX at the meet and the 17x9 Volk 57CR setup immediately caught my eye. Running a 38 offset on all four corners creates a perfect square footprint for this AWD platform. The geometry feels spot-on for the Eclipse chassis.
The 17-inch diameter keeps the car looking period-correct while allowing for a meaty tire sidewall. A 9-inch width fills the wheel wells much better than the factory setup ever could. You get that aggressive stance without needing to hack up your fenders.
We checked the clearance behind those spokes and the 57CR design handles the stock GSX calipers with room to spare. You will not deal with any annoying spacer headaches here. The hub bore matches up perfectly for a clean, vibration-free install.
The 38 offset keeps the wheel tucked just enough to avoid rubbing the outer fender lip under compression. Since we are running coilovers, the adjustability helps us dial in the camber to tuck the top of the tire inward. It looks purposeful and tight.
I looked closely at the barrel lip and the design feels robust. These wheels are built for track abuse, which is exactly what a GSX needs. You can tell the engineering team prioritized strength alongside that clean, multi-spoke aesthetic.
Watch out for the inner suspension arms if you decide to go wider in the future. With these 9-inch wide rollers, you are right at the limit before things get crowded near the trailing arms. Stick to this spec if you want a trouble-free daily driver.
Overall, this fitment balances form and function better than almost any other Eclipse I have seen. It transforms the car from a dated coupe into a modern street weapon. The proportions just work.
What We Recommend for Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 1996 Owners
If you own a 2G DSM, stop wasting time on heavy replica wheels. The 17x9 size is the gold standard for these cars because it offers the best balance of grip and weight. Do not go larger than 18 inches unless you want to ruin the handling.
Stick to a square setup whenever possible. AWD systems hate staggered rolling diameters, and a square setup lets you rotate your tires for better longevity. It is the smartest way to manage tire wear on a high-horsepower build.
A 35 to 40 offset is your sweet spot for this platform. Anything lower than 30 will force you to pull your fenders, which rarely looks good on an Eclipse. Keep your offset in the mid-30s and your life will be much easier.
Invest in a quality coilover setup before you buy your wheels. Cheap springs will sag and ruin your fitment within months. You want a stiff, controlled ride that keeps the tires off the plastic fender liners.
Do not be afraid to roll your rear fenders slightly if you choose a wider tire. It is a small price to pay for that flush, aggressive look. Just take your time and do not rush the paint.
Style and Build Analysis
The Hyperblack finish on these 57CRs is absolute perfection against the Eclipse body lines. It shifts from a deep charcoal to a bright metallic depending on how the sun hits it. It adds a premium, moody edge to the car.
The 5-spoke design of the 57CR creates a classic look that never feels dated. It reminds me of the golden era of Japanese tuning. It avoids the clutter of complicated mesh designs that look messy on this body shape.
This car sits with a purposeful, hunkered-down stance. The wheels fill the arches just enough to show off the braking setup without looking like a rollerskate. It commands respect without being flashy or gaudy.
I have seen plenty of GSX builds with generic chrome wheels, and they always look cheap. This Volk setup elevates the entire car to a professional level. It tells everyone you actually know how to build a proper machine.
The proportions make the car look wider and lower than it actually is. It captures that iconic 90s aesthetic but drags it into the modern day. Every time I look at it, I find a new detail to appreciate.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this GSX in the sun is a total experience. The Hyperblack finish sparkles against the factory paint, making the whole car look like it is ready to pounce. It is the perfect marriage of retro Japanese style and modern engineering.
We love this build because it does not try too hard. It uses high-quality parts to achieve a clean, functional result that dominates the street. It makes me want to go find a project car and start wrenching immediately.
The stance is aggressive enough to turn heads, but reliable enough to drive hard on the weekend. This is exactly how a 2G Eclipse should look and perform. Volk 57CR wheels are the ultimate upgrade for this chassis.
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: Volk 57cr
- Wheel Size: 17×9 / 17×9
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Wheel Finish: Hyperblack
- Tires: Federal SS595 255/40 25″x10″ / 255/40 25″x10″
- Suspension: Coilovers
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.
