About This Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 1996 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 1996 sits on a set of 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch AVID1 AV6 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 RS builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the AVID1 AV6 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: AVID1 AV6 on the Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 1996
I walked around this '96 Eclipse RS for twenty minutes just to admire the stance. The AVID1 AV6 wheels in an 18x9.5 setup completely change the profile of this 2G platform. That width really pushes the footprint out to the edge of the fenders.
We see a 35 offset on all four corners here. It creates a flush look that avoids the dreaded tucked-in factory aesthetic. The wheel sits perfectly level with the body line without needing aggressive spacers.
The hub bore on these wheels matches up well with the Mitsubishi hub. We always check for vibrations, but this setup runs smooth as glass at highway speeds. You get solid structural integrity without any annoying wheel shake.
I looked closely at the caliper clearance on these RS brakes. These AV6 spokes offer plenty of room for the stock calipers. You will not have any issues with hardware hitting the back of the wheel face.
The coilover setup makes this fitment actually work. Without the drop, these 18s would look like a wagon. The lowered ride height hides the gap and makes the wheels look like they belong there.
Watch out for the inner fender liners on the front. We noticed a little bit of rub at full steering lock during tight turns. A quick heat gun session on the liner plastic solves that problem immediately.
The barrel depth on these 18x9.5s gives the car a deep, aggressive presence. It adds a level of visual weight that the stock wheels just cannot touch. This is exactly how a 2G Eclipse should sit.
What We Recommend for Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 1996 Owners
If you want this look, stick to the 18x9.5 sizing. It is the perfect balance of show and performance for this specific chassis. Anything wider will require way too much work on the fenders.
Keep your offset between 30 and 35. If you go lower than 30, you will destroy your paint with tire poke. If you go higher than 35, you might hit your suspension struts.
We always suggest a square setup for these cars. Running the same wheel size front and rear makes tire rotations easy. It also keeps the handling predictable when you dive into a corner.
Do not be afraid to roll your fenders slightly. Even with the right offset, a minor roll gives you extra room for wider tires. It prevents your fenders from eating the rubber on big bumps.
Most guys mess up by picking the wrong tire profile. Stick to a 235 or 245 width with a modest sidewall height. This keeps the speedometer accurate and prevents rubbing on the inner plastic.
Avoid cheap spacers if you can help it. Buying wheels that fit the hub correctly is much safer for your wheel bearings. Do it right the first time so you can just drive and enjoy it.
Style and Build Analysis
The Black finish on these AV6 wheels provides a mean, stealthy contrast. It works exceptionally well against the factory paint of this Eclipse. The car looks like it belongs on a dark, rainy city street at midnight.
The multi-spoke design of the AV6 mimics classic racing wheels from the nineties. It honors the heritage of the 2G Eclipse platform perfectly. It feels nostalgic but still looks completely modern.
Proportions are everything in this game. By filling the arches with 18-inch wheels, the car loses that awkward gap. The stance communicates a clear message that this car means business.
We have seen hundreds of Eclipses, but this one hits differently. Many owners choose chrome or loud colors that distract from the body lines. The black-on-body look keeps the focus where it belongs.
The way the light hits the spokes while the car rolls is incredible. You get these sharp highlights that cut through the dark finish. It gives the wheels a dynamic, moving look even when parked.
This build proves that you do not need five-figure wheels to make an impact. The AVID1 AV6 offers style that punches way above its price point. It is accessible, reliable, and flat-out cool.
Why We Love This Build
I love this build because it captures the soul of the tuner scene. The black AV6 wheels turn this humble RS into a street-fighting machine. The stance is aggressive, purposeful, and clean.
When the sun hits that black paint, the whole car glows with a menacing aura. Every time I see this Eclipse, I want to jump in and drive it until the fuel light comes on. It inspires us to keep pushing our own projects forward.
This is the kind of build that makes people stop and stare in the parking lot. You cannot ignore a car that sits this perfectly on the pavement. Sometimes, simple is just better. Go get this setup for your own ride.
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 RS 1996
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: AVID1 AV6
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Kumho Ecsta 4X II 245/45 26.7″x9.6″ / 245/45 26.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Mitsubishi Eclipse RS owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels fit my Mitsubishi Eclipse RS? 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 RS owners run 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
