About This Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 1997 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 1997 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch AVID1 AV20 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 Spyder GS builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the AVID1 AV20 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: AVID1 AV20 on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 1997
I walked around this 1997 Eclipse Spyder for a solid twenty minutes at the meet. These AVID1 AV20 wheels in 18x8.5 definitely change the entire vibe of the car. The 33 offset pushes the face out just enough to kill that sunken look stock wheels always suffer from.
You get a clean, flush profile that sits right on the edge of the fenders. Since the car sits on stock suspension, the gap is still noticeable but the wider track helps the stance look more aggressive. The 8.5-inch width provides a much meatier tire contact patch than the skinny factory rollers.
Caliper clearance is a non-issue with this specific spoke design. The concave face of the AV20 gives you plenty of room to clear the GS brake hardware without needing spacers. I checked the hub bore during the shoot and everything fits nice and snug.
The 33 offset is a smart choice for this platform. It keeps the scrub radius manageable and keeps your steering feel from getting too twitchy. You won't find any nasty rubbing issues under normal driving conditions with this setup.
If you decide to lower the car later, you will definitely want to roll those rear fenders. Even at stock height, you can tell the clearance is getting tight under full compression. Just keep an eye on the inner liners if you hit a big bump at speed.
The barrel lip on the AV20 adds just the right amount of depth to the design. It breaks up the visual weight of the spokes perfectly. It is a solid, functional fitment that does not sacrifice the daily driveability of this Spyder.
What We Recommend for Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 1997 Owners
If you want this look, stick to an 18-inch wheel. Going up to 19s kills the ride quality and makes the car look like a wagon. This 18x8.5 setup is the absolute sweet spot for the 2G Eclipse platform.
Avoid staggered setups on these cars. The AWD and FWD variants of the DSM platform hate fighting different rolling diameters. A square setup like this allows you to rotate your tires and keeps the handling predictable.
When you pick tires, stay away from extreme stretch. A 235/40/18 tire gives you a nice, square sidewall that protects the rim. It also gives you the grip you actually need when you find a fun back road.
Many guys make the mistake of buying too aggressive an offset. If you go below +30, you will be rolling fenders and pulling metal before you even get out of the driveway. Stick to the +30 to +35 range to keep your sanity.
Do not forget to buy high-quality hub-centric rings. The AVID1 wheels use a larger center bore to fit multiple bolt patterns, so you need those rings to prevent wheel vibration. It is a five-dollar part that saves you a massive headache on the highway.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gunmetal finish is the secret weapon of this build. It contrasts perfectly against the paint without looking like you just slapped on some cheap grey paint. It gives the car a serious, motorsport-inspired aesthetic that fits the 90s tuner era perfectly.
The multi-spoke design of the AV20 mimics some high-end racing wheels I see at the track. It looks busy enough to be interesting but simple enough to keep the Eclipse looking clean. The proportions match the curvy lines of the Spyder body well.
When the sun hits these wheels, the Gunmetal really pops. You get these deep, dark shadows in the concavity that draw your eye in instantly. It makes the wheels look much more expensive than they actually are.
I have seen a lot of Eclipses ruined by giant chrome wheels and wild designs. This build works because it respects the heritage of the car. It leans into the factory design instead of fighting it.
The road presence is undeniable. You see this car coming and you know the owner understands the balance between style and substance. It is a masterclass in how a simple wheel choice elevates a stock-suspension car.
Why We Love This Build
I love this build because it stays true to the golden era of Japanese imports. Seeing this 1997 Spyder parked under the lights, you realize that you do not need a crazy widebody kit to turn heads. The Gunmetal AV20s hug the arches perfectly and give the car a muscular, planted stance that just works. Every time I see it, I find myself staring at the way the light dances off those spokes.
This car reminds me why we fell in love with the 2G Eclipse in the first place. It is clean, it is purposeful, and it is built to be driven hard on the weekend. This is exactly how a street car should look. Stop thinking about it and just pull the trigger.
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 Spyder GS 1997
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: AVID1 AV20
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 33 / 33
- Wheel Finish: Gunmetal
- Tires: Vercelli Strada II 245/40 25.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 25.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Stock
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels fit my Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 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 Spyder GS owners run 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
