Mitsubishi produced approximately 30,000 Lancer Evolution units worldwide across the CT9A platform models. These iconic performance cars feature a distinctive design that sets them apart from standard Lancers.
Custom wheels for your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution present unique fitment challenges due to the rally-inspired vehicle's specialized specifications. The EVO, with its factory widebody kit, runs about 1¼ inches (30mm) wider than other Lancer models. This creates specific requirements when selecting EVO X wheels or considering options for earlier generations like EVO 9 wheels. Understanding proper specifications becomes essential for both performance and appearance.
The perfect Mitsubishi Lancer EVO rims require careful attention to multiple factors. Factory Brembo brakes demand wheels that are 18 inches minimum. The best width for EVO X wheels typically ranges from 9.5 to 10.5 inches with offsets between 15-40. Selecting the right combination of size, width, and offset ensures your Mitsubishi EVO wheels look amazing while maintaining your vehicle's legendary performance capabilities.
When it comes to choosing aftermarket wheels for your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, our expert guidance helps you make informed decisions that balance style, performance, and proper fitment. We understand the specific requirements these rally-bred machines demand and can help you find the perfect setup for your build.
Proper wheel selection starts with mastering the universal specifications across all Lancer Evolution models. Understanding these fundamentals prevents costly fitment mistakes when upgrading your EVO's wheels.
All Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution models share identical mounting specifications regardless of generation. The bolt pattern remains consistently 5x114.3, making wheel selection more straightforward than many performance vehicles. Every EVO features a center bore of 67.1mm and requires M12 x 1.5 thread pitch lug nuts. Proper installation demands torquing these lugs to 75-80 ft-lbs.
Stock configurations differ significantly between EVO and standard Lancer models:
EVO X: Factory-equipped with 18x8.5" +38 offset wheels
EVO X GSR: Enkei cast wheels weighing 22 lbs
EVO X MR: BBS forged wheels weighing 18.5 lbs
EVO VII/VIII/IX: 17x8" +35 offset wheels
Standard Lancer DE/ES/GTS: 16x6.5" +46 offset
Ralliart: 18x7" +46 offset
These specification differences explain why direct wheel swaps between models often require additional modifications.
Offset determines how wheels position within your fenders. Lower offsets (+15, +18) push wheels outward, creating an aggressive stance while potentially causing fender interference. Higher offsets (+38, +40) tuck wheels inward, which may create clearance issues with suspension components.
Width selection impacts both performance and appearance. Stock EVO X wheels measure 8.5" wide, but aftermarket options typically range from 9.5" to 10.5" for enhanced grip and visual appeal.
The substantial Brembo brake calipers on all EVOs create specific fitment challenges. Minimum recommended clearance between wheel spokes and brake calipers is 3mm, though this varies by wheel design.
Many popular wheels require spacers to achieve proper brake clearance, particularly on the front axle where caliper protrusion is most pronounced. Certain wheel designs with insufficient spoke clearance may need 5-10mm spacers despite having appropriate offset.
Selecting the right dimensions for your aftermarket wheels directly impacts both performance and appearance. Finding the perfect balance requires understanding key specifications that work best with your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
The EVO X cannot accommodate wheels smaller than 18 inches due to the large Brembo brake calipers. Factory 18-inch diameter remains ideal for most applications, though 19-inch wheels will fit if you prefer a different look. 19-inch wheels provide excellent clearance even with lowered suspension setups.
Performance-oriented EVO owners typically choose wheels between 9.5 and 10.5 inches wide with offsets ranging from +15 to +40. This range delivers substantial improvements over the stock 8.5-inch width without requiring extensive modifications.
Daily driving with minimal modifications:
18×9.5 with +22 to +38 offset using 255/35 or 265/35 tires
18×9 with +25 to +35 offset using 245/40 or 255/40 tires
Track use or aggressive setups work well with 18×10.5 wheels using offsets between +12 and +30, although fender modifications become necessary.
Conservative fitments use higher offsets (+30 to +40) with 9-9.5" wheel widths, delivering improved performance without fender modifications. These setups maintain sufficient clearance for suspension components and require minimal fender work.
Aggressive fitments utilize lower offsets (+12 to +22) with wider wheels (10-10.5"), creating a more pronounced stance. Such setups require rolled fenders and possibly additional camber adjustments.
When adding wheel spacers, subtract the spacer thickness from your wheel's offset to determine the new effective offset. Pairing 18×8.5 +38 wheels with 15mm spacers results in an effective offset of +23mm (38-15=23).
Looking for perfectly-fitting aftermarket wheels for your Mitsubishi Lancer? Visit Performance Plus Tire for a selection of wheels specifically designed for your vehicle.
Certain setups may require spacers to achieve proper brake clearance. Spacers beyond 5-7mm thickness generally require extended wheel studs for safety. Always ensure your spacers are hub-centric with the correct 67.1mm center bore for proper fitment.
Once you've selected the perfect wheels, pairing them with appropriate tires becomes crucial for maximizing both performance and longevity of your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Proper tire selection starts with matching width to your wheel dimensions. For 9" wide wheels, 245mm tires provide ideal coverage, whereas 9.5" wheels work best with 255mm or 265mm tires. Subsequently, 10.5" wheels can accommodate tires up to 275mm wide, essentially becoming the maximum recommended on stock fenders.
The aspect ratio (sidewall height) significantly impacts handling characteristics. For wider tires on your Evo, a 35-series profile is necessary to maintain proper clearance. Hence, popular combinations include 255/35/18 or 265/35/18, which fit without excessive modification.
Daily drivers benefit from different tire specs than track-focused builds:
Daily Driving: 225/40/18 or 235/40/18 tires provide enhanced performance while maintaining comfortable daily usability
Track Use: 255/35/18 or 265/35/18 offer maximum grip for performance driving
Moreover, track day participants should prioritize safety with proper high-performance tires rather than compromising with all-season options. Accordingly, many EVO owners seeking the perfect balance between street and track performance choose 245/40/18 tires on 9" wheels.
Need tires to match your new Mitsubishi Lancer EVO wheels? Browse a selection of performance tires specifically sized for your vehicle at Performance Plus Tire.
Aggressive aftermarket wheels often require additional modifications to your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution for proper fitment and functionality.
Wheel setups with offsets below +25 typically need fender modifications. A simple fender roll works for 18x9.5 wheels with +20 offset, while 18x10.5 setups demand both rolling and pulling. Many experienced EVO owners recommend shaving the lip rather than rolling, as traditional rolling can damage paint over time.
Lowered EVOs create additional clearance challenges with wider wheels. Tanabe suspensions with 1.8" drops combined with 18x9.5 +20 wheels need significant fender work. Proper clearance testing requires compressing suspension fully to simulate road conditions.
Negative camber provides additional clearance at the outside fender. Front camber adjustments often eliminate fender modifications with moderately aggressive setups. Excessive camber solely for fitment purposes can compromise handling and tire wear.
Spacers of 20mm create perfect flush fitment on EVO X models without rubbing. Spacers exceeding 5mm thickness require extended wheel studs for safety. Hub-centric spacers distribute load forces evenly, making them preferable to slip-on alternatives.
These modifications ensure your custom wheels not only fit properly but also maintain the performance characteristics that make your EVO special. We can help you determine which modifications your specific setup requires.
Selecting aftermarket wheels for your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution comes down to understanding the fundamentals and matching them to your driving goals. Proper fitment serves as the foundation—your EVO's 5x114.3 bolt pattern, 67.1mm center bore, and factory configurations provide the starting point for any successful upgrade.
Most EVO owners achieve excellent results with 18-inch wheels measuring 9.5-10.5 inches wide and offsets between +15 to +40. These specifications offer significant improvements over factory wheels while working within the constraints of those substantial Brembo calipers that define the EVO's performance character.
The right tire selection complements your wheel choice perfectly. Matching tire width to wheel width ensures optimal handling, while proper aspect ratios prevent clearance problems. Whether you choose conservative or aggressive fitments depends entirely on your intended use and modification preferences.
At Performance Plus Tire, we understand that every EVO build is unique. Daily drivers benefit from setups that maintain comfort and reliability, while track enthusiasts often pursue more aggressive configurations that maximize performance potential. Our selection includes options for both approaches, ensuring you find wheels that match your specific needs.
The perfect aftermarket wheels will transform both the appearance and performance of your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. These legendary rally-inspired machines deserve wheel setups that honor their heritage while expressing your individual style. Whether you're building for the street or the track, the right wheels help your EVO reach its full potential.
Ready to find the perfect wheels for your Lancer Evolution? Our expert team can guide you through the selection process and help you achieve the exact look and performance you're after.
Master these essential specifications and considerations to select aftermarket wheels that enhance both performance and esthetics for your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
• All EVO models share identical mounting specs: 5x114.3 bolt pattern, 67.1mm center bore, requiring 18" minimum diameter for Brembo brake clearance.
• Optimal wheel sizing ranges from 18x9.5" to 18x10.5" with +15 to +40 offset, paired with 255/35 or 265/35 tires for best performance balance.
• Conservative fitments (+30 to +40 offset) require minimal modifications, while aggressive setups (+12 to +22 offset) need fender rolling and camber adjustments.
• Calculate effective offset by subtracting spacer thickness from wheel offset; spacers over 5mm require extended wheel studs for safety compliance.
• Match tire width to wheel width (255mm for 9.5" wheels) and choose appropriate aspect ratios (35-series for wider setups) to maintain proper clearance.
Proper wheel selection transforms your EVO's appearance while maintaining the legendary performance characteristics that make these rally-inspired vehicles so special.
The ideal wheel specs for most Lancer Evolutions are 18-inch diameter wheels, 9.5 to 10.5 inches wide, with offsets ranging from +15 to +40. This combination offers improved performance over stock wheels without requiring extensive modifications.
It depends on how aggressive your wheel setup is. Conservative fitments (higher offsets of +30 to +40) typically don't require modifications. However, more aggressive setups with lower offsets may necessitate fender rolling, suspension adjustments, or camber changes.
For daily driving, 255/35/18 or 265/35/18 tires are popular choices that offer a good balance of performance and comfort. These sizes typically fit well with 9.5-inch wide wheels and provide improved grip without causing clearance issues.
Yes, wheel spacers can be used on a Lancer Evolution, especially to achieve proper brake clearance or desired fitment. However, spacers thicker than 5-7mm generally require extended wheel studs for safety. Always ensure spacers are hub-centric with the correct 67.1mm center bore.
The minimum wheel size that will clear the factory Brembo brakes on a Lancer Evolution is 18 inches in diameter. This is due to the large size of the brake calipers, which create unique fitment challenges compared to standard Lancer models.
