The 13/33.3-16 tire is a bias-ply specialty size associated with drag racing and competition use rather than everyday street replacement. Its wide footprint, tall overall profile, and race-oriented format make it relevant for vintage drag builds, period-style race cars, and other specialty applications where appearance and launch-focused setup matter. Bias-ply construction also suits builders who want a more authentic look and feel on older competition vehicles. Before choosing this size, buyers should verify wheel width compatibility (12.00 inches), available clearance through the wheel opening and suspension, and whether the vehicle's intended use matches the tire's specialized design.
The 13/33.3-16 size is offered in 1 brand and 1 product. Buyers should compare construction type, sidewall style, and load-related requirements against their wheel setup and intended vehicle use.
The 13/33.3-16 size measures 13.0 inches in section width and fits a 16.0-inch rim, with bias-ply construction for specialty competition use.
Section Width: 13.0 in (330.2 mm) — This is the dimension to check first against fender lips, suspension components, and brake clearance.
Rim Diameter: 16.0 in (406.4 mm) — This must match exactly — 13/33.3-16 cannot be mounted on any other rim diameter regardless of how other dimensions compare.
Rim Width: 12.00 in — A wheel that is too narrow causes the sidewall to bulge inward; one that is too wide splays the tire flat and distorts the profile.
Construction: Bias Ply — Construction type affects ride feel, sidewall flex, handling behavior, and period-correctness for restoration.
Tire Weight: 37.4 lb — Heavier construction reflects a denser carcass and increases unsprung weight on the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about 13/33.3-16 tire sizing, fitment, compatibility, performance, maintenance, and replacement options.
Size Basics & Dimensions
What does 13/33.3-16 mean?
The 13/33.3-16 size uses a specialty numeric format with multiple inch-based values rather than a modern P-metric layout. In this code, 13 identifies the nominal width in inches, 33.3 is the secondary size value used in this racing-style format, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches.
Unlike a modern metric radial size, the 13/33.3-16 does not directly present information as width in millimeters, aspect ratio, and radial construction in one string. Buyers need to read it as a purpose-built specialty size, then confirm the actual tire construction, wheel diameter, wheel width, and intended use before treating it as interchangeable with a more familiar modern code.
What size wheel does the 13/33.3-16 tire fit?
The 13/33.3-16 tire fits a 16.0-inch wheel, which equals 406.4 millimeters at the bead seat. The wheel diameter must match exactly, because tire beads are engineered for one specific rim diameter.
Wheel width matters alongside wheel diameter. In this size, the available product uses a 12.00-inch rim width, so buyers should confirm that the wheel matches both the 16-inch diameter and the width requirement before installation. A correct diameter on the wrong wheel width can still affect sidewall shape, footprint, and clearance in a racing or specialty setup.
How wide is the 13/33.3-16 tire?
The 13/33.3-16 tire has a section width of 13.0 inches, which is about 330.2 millimeters. Section width measures the tire at its widest point from sidewall to sidewall when mounted and inflated.
Section width is not the same as tread width, and that distinction matters when checking fitment. Fender lips, inner wheelhouses, suspension parts, and brake components all care about the tire's full sidewall bulge, not just the contact patch. On a wide competition tire like the 13/33.3-16, width is one of the first measurements to compare before assuming the tire will clear.
Is 13/33.3-16 the same as 1333316?
Yes, 1333316 is simply an alternate way of writing the 13/33.3-16 size without punctuation. The underlying tire size remains the same, with the same nominal width and 16-inch rim diameter.
Alternate spellings like 1333316 or 13 33.3 16 usually appear in old catalogs, search boxes, or handwritten fitment notes. Buyers should still verify the complete printed sidewall size on the actual tire, because specialty racing sizes depend on the full code and not just a shortened or punctuation-free version.
Does the 13/33.3-16 tire need a tube?
The 13/33.3-16 is commonly a tube-type fitment. Tube use, however, is a wheel-and-tire-system question rather than a size question, so the final decision should be confirmed against the actual wheel and tire being used.
Specialty bias-ply racing sizes often involve wheel designs, bead configurations, and use conditions that make the complete assembly more important than the size code alone. Before mounting the 13/33.3-16, check the tire's sidewall markings, the wheel's construction, and any manufacturer guidance so the tire, wheel, and intended use all match.
How much does the 13/33.3-16 tire weigh?
The available 13/33.3-16 tire weighs 37.4 pounds before it is mounted on a wheel. That figure reflects the tire alone, not the complete wheel-and-tire assembly.
Tire weight matters because it contributes to unsprung weight and can influence how quickly the suspension reacts. On a race-oriented bias-ply size like the 13/33.3-16, weight is also part of the larger setup picture that includes wheel width, footprint, sidewall behavior, and the vehicle's intended launch and track use.
Tire Compatibility & Fitment
What kind of vehicles or builds usually use the 13/33.3-16 tire?
The 13/33.3-16 is primarily a specialty drag racing and competition size, not a general replacement size for ordinary passenger vehicles. It is most relevant to purpose-built race cars, vintage drag builds, and other setups where a wide bias-ply competition tire is part of the vehicle's intended function.
Fitment should be treated as a starting point, not an assumption. Buyers need to compare the tire's width, wheel diameter, required rim width, and available body and suspension clearance against the actual vehicle. On race and specialty applications, small differences in wheel offset, axle location, and ride height can determine whether the 13/33.3-16 is usable.
What wheel width should be used with the 13/33.3-16 tire?
The available 13/33.3-16 application uses a 12.00-inch wheel width. That width works with the tire's profile and helps it seat and present its intended shape on the rim.
Rim width is a major fitment factor on a specialty tire of this size. A wheel that is too narrow can pull the sidewalls inward and change the footprint, while one that is too wide can flatten the profile and alter how the tire sits under the car. Buyers should confirm the wheel's true measured width before mounting the 13/33.3-16.
Is the 13/33.3-16 tire a good choice for a period-style racing build?
Yes, the 13/33.3-16 can make sense for a period-style racing or drag build because it uses bias-ply construction and a specialty numeric race format. Those traits align well with older competition vehicles where authenticity of appearance and era-correct setup matter.
Period look is only one part of the decision. Builders should also compare wheel size, wheel width, body clearance, and how the tall, wide tire affects stance. A race car intended for judged authenticity may value the original style, while a car that sees more mixed use may require closer attention to how the full tire package behaves on the actual chassis.
Performance & Driving Experience
How does the 13/33.3-16 bias-ply construction affect driving feel?
The 13/33.3-16 uses bias-ply construction, which typically gives a different feel from a radial tire. Sidewall flex, steering response, and overall road behavior can feel more traditional and less isolated, especially on a vehicle built around older suspension geometry or race-oriented setup choices.
Driving feel depends on more than construction alone. Alignment, suspension condition, wheel width, vehicle weight transfer, and tire age all influence how a bias-ply tire behaves. On a specialty size like the 13/33.3-16, buyers should think in terms of the whole setup rather than expecting it to mimic the manners of a modern street radial.
How will the 13/33.3-16 tire affect stance and clearance?
The 13/33.3-16 is a wide specialty size with a 13.0-inch section width, so it can have a major effect on how a vehicle sits and how much room remains around the tire. A tire this broad can visually fill the rear wheel opening and create a more aggressive competition stance.
Clearance should be checked at rest and through suspension movement. Inner tubs, leaf springs, shock placement, quarter-panel lips, and wheel offset can all become limiting factors with a tire this large. Buyers considering the 13/33.3-16 should compare real wheel and body measurements rather than relying on appearance alone.
Is the 13/33.3-16 tire suited to regular highway driving?
The 13/33.3-16 is identified as a drag racing and competition specialty size, so it should not be approached as an ordinary highway replacement tire. Its format, construction, and intended use point toward a dedicated performance application rather than broad everyday road duty.
Road behavior on any older or specialty tire depends on construction type, inflation, alignment, age, and the vehicle's setup. If a buyer is considering the 13/33.3-16 for anything beyond a focused race application, it is wise to inspect current sidewall markings, confirm the tire's intended service use, and evaluate whether a specialty racing size matches the way the vehicle will actually be driven.
Tire Brands & Quality
What brands are available in the 13/33.3-16 tire size?
The 13/33.3-16 size is available from M&H Racemaster. In a narrow specialty size like this, brand choice is often more limited than it would be in a mainstream street-tire size.
When choices are limited, buyers should focus on whether the tire's construction, dimensions, and intended use match the vehicle. On a race-oriented size such as the 13/33.3-16, quality selection is less about broad brand comparison and more about choosing a tire whose carcass design, wheel fit, and application align with the build.
What should buyers look for when judging quality in the 13/33.3-16 tire size?
Quality in the 13/33.3-16 size starts with accurate sizing, appropriate bias-ply construction, and consistency with the intended drag racing or specialty application. Buyers should also look closely at the tire's stated wheel diameter, wheel width requirement, and overall suitability for the vehicle's setup.
A good specialty tire choice is one that matches the build from the wheel outward. Construction style, sidewall profile, actual physical clearance, and use case all matter more than general claims. For the 13/33.3-16, a careful buyer will also consider whether they need a matched pair or full set with the same construction and dimensional behavior.
Does sidewall style matter when choosing the 13/33.3-16 tire?
Yes, sidewall style can matter, especially on a visible race or show build. The available 13/33.3-16 product uses a blackwall sidewall, which suits many competition-focused vehicles and keeps attention on the tire's size and stance rather than decorative trim.
Appearance should still be balanced with fitment and intended use. On a specialty drag tire, sidewall style is usually secondary to getting the correct width, wheel fit, and construction type. Buyers building a period-style race car may care about the clean blackwall look, but the practical decision still starts with whether the 13/33.3-16 fits the vehicle properly.
Maintenance & Longevity
How should the 13/33.3-16 tire be inspected before use?
The 13/33.3-16 should be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread or sidewall damage, and any signs of air loss before use. On a specialty bias-ply tire, inspection should also include a close look at the bead area and the overall condition of the carcass before mounting or running the tire.
Regular inspection matters even when a vehicle sees limited use. Specialty tires can age from time, heat, sunlight, ozone exposure, and storage conditions as much as from mileage. Before any event or test session, buyers should also inspect the wheel itself and confirm that the tire and wheel combination remains appropriate for the intended application.
How long can the 13/33.3-16 tire last if it is used only occasionally?
The 13/33.3-16 can age significantly even when it is not driven much. Low mileage does not prevent rubber from hardening or deteriorating over time, so condition matters more than tread depth alone on an occasional-use specialty tire.
Storage has a major effect on longevity. Keep the tire away from direct sunlight, heat sources, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment, and inspect it regularly during periods of inactivity. A collector or race vehicle that sits between events should still have its tires reviewed carefully before returning to service, because elapsed time can matter as much as actual use.
How should buyers confirm tube use for the 13/33.3-16 tire?
The 13/33.3-16 is commonly a tube-type fitment, but tube use should still be confirmed from the actual tire and wheel combination. The size alone does not settle the whole question, because bead design, wheel construction, and intended service all affect whether a tube is appropriate.
Before mounting the 13/33.3-16, review the sidewall markings on the tire, inspect the wheel's condition, and follow the tire maker's guidance for the complete assembly. Specialty race applications can involve wheel and tire combinations that demand more attention than a standard street fitment, so tube decisions should be made as part of the full setup.
Safety & Regulations
When should the 13/33.3-16 tire be replaced for safety reasons?
The 13/33.3-16 should be replaced when it shows cracking, bulges, exposed fabric, cuts, persistent air loss, or any other structural damage. Age also matters, so a tire that looks usable at a glance may still need replacement if the rubber has hardened or deteriorated over time.
Specialty bias-ply tires deserve extra caution because many spend long periods in storage or limited-use service. Before putting the 13/33.3-16 back into action, inspect both the tire and the wheel carefully and have a qualified tire professional review anything questionable. Condition, intended use, and the full wheel-and-tire assembly all matter in the safety decision.
What safety checks matter most before using the 13/33.3-16 tire on the road or at an event?
The most important checks for the 13/33.3-16 are tire condition, exact 16-inch wheel compatibility, the 12.00-inch wheel width requirement, and adequate clearance around the tire. Buyers should also confirm that the tire's specialized application matches how the vehicle will actually be used.
Before any trip or event, inspect for age-related cracking, bead damage, cuts, and uneven wear, then review the wheel for damage or corrosion. Specialty sizes leave less room for assumption than mainstream fitments. If anything about the tire, wheel, or intended use is uncertain, a qualified tire professional should inspect the assembly before service.
Are there any legal or road-use concerns with the 13/33.3-16 tire?
The 13/33.3-16 is a specialty drag racing and competition size, so buyers should review the tire's current sidewall markings and local road-use requirements before treating it as a normal street tire. A specialty format alone does not answer every question about permitted or intended use.
Regulatory expectations can vary by location and by how the vehicle is driven. Buyers should confirm wheel compatibility, inspect the tire's condition, and make sure the full assembly suits the intended use before any public-road driving. On a competition-oriented bias-ply tire, those checks are especially important because the size is not aimed at ordinary everyday replacement service.