About This Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 1999 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 1999 sits on a set of 17×9 / 17×9-inch Kansei KNP wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Kansei 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 Kansei KNP creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Kansei KNP on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 1999
I walked around this 1999 Eclipse Spyder for an hour just to soak in the lines. Putting a 17x9 square setup on a 2G chassis is a bold move that pays off. We chose the Kansei KNP for its aggressive, classic Japanese styling that fits the late 90s aesthetic perfectly.
Running a 17x9 wheel with a +22 offset pushes these wheels right to the edge of the fender. You get that flush look without needing a ridiculous amount of poke. It fills the wheel wells in a way the factory GS wheels never could.
Clearance is the first thing we checked with the big KNP spokes. The inner barrel design clears the stock calipers with plenty of room to spare. You won't run into any annoying hardware interference here.
The hub bore on these wheels matches the Mitsubishi platform like a glove. We hate using hub-centric rings if we can avoid them, and these fit tight. Everything spins true and stays vibration-free at highway speeds.
I looked closely at the fender gap after the coilovers settled in. We dialed the ride height down to eliminate that unsightly wheel gap. The 17-inch diameter keeps the proportions tight and sporty.
You need to watch out for the inner fender liner when you hit big bumps. If you push the car hard in a corner, it might kiss the plastic. A quick roll of the rear fenders keeps everything safe and sound.
The barrel lip depth on the KNP adds a nice touch of industrial grit to the Spyder. It breaks up the rounded, jellybean body lines of the 2G. This setup turns a soft convertible into a street-legal brawler.
What We Recommend for Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 1999 Owners
If you want to run this setup, you have to commit to a good set of coilovers. You cannot achieve this stance on stock springs. Invest in quality dampers to manage the extra width of the 9-inch wheel.
We always suggest a square setup for these cars. It makes rotating your tires easy and keeps the handling predictable. Staggered setups on a front-drive platform usually just ruin the balance.
Don't be afraid to roll your fenders if you go with the +22 offset. It is a rite of passage for every 2G owner. A clean roll prevents tire damage and keeps your paint from cracking.
Choose your tires carefully to avoid excessive stretch. We like a mild stretch to clear the fender lip, but don't overdo it. A 235 or 245 width tire is the sweet spot for a 9-inch wide rim.
Avoid cheap spacers at all costs. These Kansei wheels are designed to sit flush without adding extra components. Keep your hub assembly healthy by avoiding unnecessary aftermarket hardware.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gray finish on these KNPs is a masterclass in subtlety. It pulls tones from the asphalt and makes the car look darker and more focused. The dull matte finish contrasts beautifully against the glossy paint of the Spyder.
Design-wise, the KNP is a nod to the five-spoke legends of the 90s. It looks like it belongs on the cover of a drift magazine from two decades ago. It honors the history of the Eclipse while feeling fresh.
The stance gives the car a hunkered-down look that changes its entire silhouette. When the top is down, the wheels become the center of attention. It looks wider, meaner, and ready to attack a canyon road.
We see a lot of builds that go too far with neon colors or wild offsets. This car succeeds because it embraces simplicity and clean lines. It proves that the right wheel choice can elevate a stock body to another level.
The proportions feel perfect from every angle. The 17-inch diameter leaves enough tire sidewall to look meaty. It avoids that "rubber band" look that ruins so many modern builds.
Why We Love This Build
I love how the light hits the spokes when this car rolls into the light. The gray finish hides brake dust and keeps the look purposeful even after a long drive. It makes the 1999 Eclipse look like a modern concept piece.
This car stops us in our tracks because it is honest. It uses a tried-and-true formula of stiff suspension and perfect offset to transform a daily driver into a head-turner. It feels like a time capsule that finally got the shoes it deserved.
Seeing this Spyder parked at the show is a reminder of why we fell in love with cars. Grab a set of KNPs and give your Eclipse the edge it deserves.
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 1999
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Kansei KNP
- Wheel Size: 17×9 / 17×9
- Offset: 22 / 22
- Wheel Finish: Gray
- Tires: Vercelli Strada II 205/40 23.5″x8.1″ / 205/40 23.5″x8.1″
- Suspension: Coilovers
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 17×9 / 17×9-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 17×9 / 17×9-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
