About This Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2009 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2009 sits on a set of 17×7 / 17×7-inch Motegi MR138 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Motegi 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 Motegi MR138 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Motegi MR138 on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2009
I walked up to this Eclipse Spyder and immediately noticed the Motegi MR138s filling the wells. These 17x7 wheels utilize a +38 offset that keeps everything tucked neatly under the fenders. It is a smart, conservative choice for a daily-driven platform like this.
The 17-inch diameter strikes a perfect balance for the 2009 chassis. You get enough sidewall to soak up the potholes while maintaining that sporty aesthetic. Anything larger would have looked too bulky for the GS trim.
Caliper clearance on this setup is surprisingly generous. The MR138 spoke design arches outward just enough to clear the stock brakes without needing spacers. I checked the gap behind the spokes and found plenty of breathing room.
Hub bore alignment feels solid and vibration-free on the road. We always suggest running hub-centric rings to ensure a perfect seat against the Mitsubishi hubs. Without them, you might deal with high-speed jitters that ruin the driving experience.
Because the car sits on stock suspension, you have a bit of fender gap to manage. These wheels don't poke, so you won't deal with the tires slicing into your fender liners during hard cornering. It is a clean, reliable fitment that just works.
I looked closely at the barrel lip depth and it keeps things subtle. The design doesn't try too hard to be a deep-dish wheel, which keeps the visual weight balanced. It looks like a factory-plus upgrade that Mitsubishi should have offered from the start.
If you plan to lower the car later, you have room to grow. You could easily throw on a small spacer to push the wheels flush once the springs settle. For now, this stock-height setup avoids all the common rubbing headaches.
What We Recommend for Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2009 Owners
If you want this look, stick to the 17x7 or 17x7.5 range. Pushing the width beyond that often forces you to roll your fenders or dial in extreme camber. Keep it simple so you can actually enjoy the car on the street.
The +38 to +42 offset range is your sweet spot for this specific car. It keeps the scrub radius within a safe margin and prevents unnecessary stress on your wheel bearings. Don't chase aggressive offsets unless you want to sacrifice handling.
We always suggest a square setup for the Eclipse. Running the same wheel size at all four corners makes tire rotation a breeze and keeps the handling predictable. Staggered setups on this front-wheel-drive platform usually just cause understeer and headaches.
Watch your tire choices carefully when mounting these wheels. A 225/45/17 tire fits the MR138 beautifully and fills the arch without looking stretched. Avoid those cheap, hard-compound tires that ruin the grip this car deserves.
The biggest mistake I see owners make is skipping the alignment after installing new wheels. Even a minor change in track width can throw your toe settings out of whack. Get an alignment immediately to save your tires from uneven wear.
Style and Build Analysis
The gold finish on these MR138s is a bold move that absolutely pays off. Against the metallic paint of this Spyder, the gold pops without looking tacky or garish. It gives the car a rally-inspired vibe that feels right at home.
The multi-spoke design of the MR138 carries a classic racing heritage. It looks sophisticated while moving, and it stays easy to clean when you are parked at a show. That utility matters when you actually drive your car daily.
When you stand back, the proportions feel intentional and tight. The gold wheels draw your eye down, making the whole car look lower even on stock suspension. It transforms the Spyder from a commuter into a proper enthusiast machine.
Compared to other builds I have seen, this one resists the urge to over-modify. It doesn't need giant spoilers or aggressive body kits to grab your attention. The wheels do all the heavy lifting with pure, clean lines.
Road presence is surprisingly high for a car with stock suspension. Passersby definitely notice the gold flashes as the wheels spin at stoplights. It strikes that rare balance of looking modified while still appearing factory-polished.
Why We Love This Build
I fell in love with this build the moment the sun hit those gold spokes. The metallic paint catches the light, and the MR138s provide a warmth that silver or black wheels simply cannot match. It feels like a cohesive project where every part serves a purpose.
This Spyder looks ready for a spirited weekend run through the canyons. The fitment is honest, clean, and perfectly suited for the 2009 chassis. It reminds me why I got into this hobby in the first place—to turn a standard car into something personal.
You don't need a massive budget to make your ride stand out. This build proves that the right set of wheels changes everything. Just go get them.
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 2009
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Motegi MR138
- Wheel Size: 17×7 / 17×7
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Wheel Finish: Gold
- Tires: Pirelli PZERO All Season Plus 225/50 25.9″x8.9″ / 225/50 25.9″x8.9″
- 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 17×7 / 17×7-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 17×7 / 17×7-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
