Introduction
The Acura CL Type-S was the performance version of Acura’s two-door luxury coupe, sold only from 2001 to 2003. Under the hood sat a higher-output 3.2-litre V6 making 260 hp, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, and in 2003 only, a true six-speed manual that has since become the enthusiast’s pick of the CL line. Like every performance coupe, the CL Type-S depends on the correct wheels for more than looks. The right fitment affects handling, braking, ride comfort, and safety, because the wrong wheels can rub, throw off the speedometer, or fail to clear the Type-S’s larger brakes.
The particular wheel fitment needs for the Acura CL Type-S are investigated in this guide. This guide provides all the information, including offset ranges, bolt patterns, hub bore diameters, and wheel size recommendations, whether you are replacing a damaged factory wheel or choosing aftermarket wheels for a sportier look. We also have advice on aftermarket wheels to enable you to acquire the ideal fit without sacrificing ride comfort or performance.
From its stronger V6 to its rare six-speed manual, the CL Type-S has a simple fitment story: one generation, one bolt pattern, and one factory wheel size. This content will enable you to boldly negotiate the details and avoid the most common fitment mistakes.
Whether your update is for performance or style, this guide will be your reliable source for Acura CL Type-S wheel fitment. Let us now address the particular requirements of the car, beginning with its only generation.
First Generation (YA4: 2001–2003)
Made from 2001 to 2003, the CL Type-S was the performance trim of the second-generation CL, built on the YA4 chassis. Its stock wheel size is 17×7 inches, a full inch larger in diameter than the base CL 3.2’s 16-inch wheel. The Type-S runs a 5×114.3mm bolt pattern, the five-lug layout shared with the rest of the second-generation CL and most Honda and Acura V6 cars of the era. Measuring 64.1 mm, its hub bore is the standard Honda and Acura centre bore, so factory and many aftermarket Honda wheels centre on the hub without rings. M12x1.5 was the lug nut thread size. The offset window for the Type-S is 34mm to 52mm: aggregated listings put the factory offset range at 34 to 48 mm across the CL family, while the Type-S-specific aftermarket window runs to 52 mm, so this guide uses the wider verified window rather than claiming a single factory offset figure. The factory tire size is P215/50R17 93V, and the recommended cold tire pressure is 32 psi front and rear. The CL Type-S can easily fit wheels from 17 inches to 20 inches for those looking for aftermarket wheels without major adjustments. Stated configurations should, however, keep a close rolling diameter to prevent interfering with the ABS, traction control, and VSA systems.
| Model | Bolt Pattern | Hub Bore | Offset | OEM Wheel | Aftermarket Wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Acura CL Type-S | 5×114.3mm | 64.1mm | 34–52mm | 17 Inch | 17″ to 20″ |
| 2002 Acura CL Type-S | 5×114.3mm | 64.1mm | 34–52mm | 17 Inch | 17″ to 20″ |
| 2003 Acura CL Type-S | 5×114.3mm | 64.1mm | 34–52mm | 17 Inch | 17″ to 20″ |
On aftermarket wheels, owners often choose an 18-inch wheel with a 225/45 R18 tire for a sharper look and firmer handling, or stay with the factory 17-inch setup and the 215/50 R17 tire for the best ride comfort. This keeps the fender rubbing away and offers a clean stance. The 2003 Type-S with the six-speed manual is the same fitment as the automatic cars, so the same wheels fit both gearboxes. Always confirm clearance, particularly if you are switching to bigger brakes, and match all four tires by make, type, and size.
Special Considerations
Although the CL Type-S allows several wheel choices, make sure your selected wheels and tires fit the factory suspension. The Type-S carries a slightly upgraded brake package over the base CL 3.2, which is why the safe aftermarket floor is 17 inches: a 16-inch wheel is listed for the wider second-generation CL family, but it may not clear the Type-S’s larger front brakes. Lowering springs or coilovers could call for changes to stop rubbing, especially with wider 8.5-inch wheels at the low end of the offset range. After any wheel modification, alignments should also be reviewed to preserve the best handling. Check the tire placard on the driver’s-door jamb for your exact car, because tire pressure can differ by market and load.
General Tips for Acura CL Type-S Wheel Fitment
A good fit with the Acura CL Type-S depends on knowing bolt patterns and offsets when choosing wheels. The CL Type-S has a 5×114.3mm bolt pattern, hence the wheels have five lug holes set in a circle with a 114.3 mm diameter, sometimes written as 5×4.5 inches. This is the Honda and Acura V6 standard, hence finding suitable aftermarket wheels is simpler if you search by this pattern rather than by model name alone.
A wheel’s offset sets its distance from the hub of the vehicle. Positive offsets, that is, 34mm to 52mm, found on the CL Type-S suggest that the wheel mounting surface is nearer the outside of the wheel. Selecting an offset outside the advised range could cause problems including rubbing against suspension parts or stretching too far past the fender.
Check the hub bore size always as well. With 64.1 mm as the CL Type-S standard, the hub will fit snugly without requiring centering rings. Hub-centric rings can aid in keeping stability if utilizing larger bore wheels.
Common Fitment Issues
One of the most often occurring problems when switching to bigger wheels or reduced offsets is rubbing. Think about the following to help avoid this:
- As you upsize, keep a similar rolling diameter to avoid ABS faults and speedometer mistakes.
- Wheel spacers should be used carefully since they change the offset and stress the hub bears.
- Make sure, particularly on the Type-S with its larger brakes, aftermarket wheels clear the brake calipers.
- Do not assume a 16-inch wheel fits the Type-S just because it fits the base CL 3.2; confirm brake clearance first.
Conclusion
Selecting appropriate wheels for your Acura CL Type-S is about maintaining the performance and safety integrity of your car, not only about appearance. Knowing specifics like wheel diameters, offsets, bolt patterns, and hub bores guarantees a flawless fit whether you drive a 2001 launch car or a rare 2003 six-speed manual.
With advice for both OEM replacements and aftermarket enhancements, this guide has led you through the fitment of the CL Type-S’s single generation. Remember how your wheel selection affects general ride quality, brake clearance, and suspension geometry. See a wheel fitment specialist in doubt to identify the ideal fit for your requirements.
Your Acura CL Type-S is deserving of the best; you may improve its appearance, feel, and performance with the correct wheels. Having all the information now, it’s time to make a wise choice and get your CL Type-S the upgrade it deserves!
Ryan Mitchell is a wheel and tire fitment specialist with over 10 years of hands-on experience in the automotive aftermarket. He has helped thousands of drivers find the right wheels, tires, and offsets for their vehicles, and writes in-depth fitment guides covering bolt patterns, hub bores, OEM wheel sizes, and tire specifications for every major make and model.