The 1978 Porsche 930 came from the early turbocharged era of Porsche performance, when wide rear rubber and a focused chassis became central to the car’s identity. Owners tend to approach this model with an eye toward both driving character and visual stance, because tire choice affects each. The 1978 Porsche 930 uses a staggered radial setup with 205/55R16 in front and 225/50R16 in the rear, both on 16-inch rims. Available choices include modern blackwall performance radials as well as a wide whitewall radial in the front size. Getting the right tire starts with keeping the front-to-rear fitment split intact and confirming the actual wheel setup on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1978 Porsche 930
The 1978 Porsche 930 uses two primary tire sizes, and the fitment depends on position rather than trim variation. A 205/55R16 radial is used at the front and a 225/50R16 radial is used at the rear, both on 16-inch rims. The first step is preserving that staggered front-and-rear arrangement, then comparing tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility within each size.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size in which 205 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1978 Porsche 930, this size is used at the front, where steering response, clearance, and overall stance all matter. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic offerings, with blackwall selections as well as a wide whitewall option. This is the size to evaluate when matching the car’s front fitment to its intended look and road use.
225/50R16 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter nominal section width, a 50-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. On the 1978 Porsche 930, this size is used at the rear, making it an important part of the car’s staggered tire setup. Product choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Michelin blackwall performance radials across several tire series. This rear fitment should be chosen with close attention to wheel width, matching front-to-rear proportions, and the actual wheel package currently installed on the car.
Sub-model fitment on the 1978 Porsche 930 is position-specific rather than a matter of alternate trim packages. Checking whether you are selecting for the front or rear of the car matters, because each end uses a different radial tire size on the same 16-inch rim diameter.
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1978 Porsche 930 Turbo Front
The 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo Front uses a 205/55R16 radial tire. Tire selection here centers on maintaining the correct front size while choosing among available blackwall or wide whitewall presentations and confirming compatibility with the car’s front wheel width.
The 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo Rear uses a 225/50R16 radial tire. Choosing the rear tire means preserving the proper staggered setup, comparing the available blackwall performance-oriented options, and verifying that the wheel width matches the tire’s intended mounting range.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1978 Porsche 930 Tires for Sale
Available 1978 Porsche 930 tires center on 205/55R16 front and 225/50R16 rear radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. Buyers can compare tire series, blackwall styling across both sizes, and a wide whitewall front option, along with wheel-width compatibility within each size.
Common 1978 Porsche 930 tire questions usually come down to front-versus-rear sizing, 16-inch rim fitment, available radial choices, appearance differences, and what should be checked before road use on a collector-era turbo Porsche.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1978 Porsche 930?
The 1978 Porsche 930 uses a staggered tire setup rather than one size at all four corners. Front fitment is 205/55R16 and rear fitment is 225/50R16, and both are radial tires designed for 16-inch rims.
That front-to-rear split is an important part of selecting tires for this car. Before choosing replacements, confirm whether the car still has its intended wheel arrangement or has been changed to aftermarket wheels, since maintaining the correct front and rear positions matters as much as choosing the correct individual size.
What size rim does a 1978 Porsche 930 use?
Both primary tire sizes for the 1978 Porsche 930 are built for 16-inch rims. The front 205/55R16 and rear 225/50R16 share the same rim diameter, even though the tire widths and profiles differ between the two positions.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it should not be the only number checked. Wheel width also matters, especially on a staggered setup, and any car with replacement wheels should be measured carefully before selecting tires for the front and rear.
Why does the 1978 Porsche 930 have more than one tire size?
The 1978 Porsche 930 uses more than one tire size because its fitment is staggered by axle position. A 205/55R16 radial is used in front and a wider 225/50R16 radial is used in the rear, which gives the car different tire dimensions at each end.
For tire selection, that means the first decision is not choosing between two interchangeable sizes. It means identifying whether you are replacing front tires, rear tires, or a full set, then making sure the size and wheel-width requirements stay matched to the correct end of the car.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 205/55R16 or 225/50R16 tire for a 1978 Porsche 930?
Start with position-specific fitment, because the 1978 Porsche 930 uses 205/55R16 in front and 225/50R16 in the rear. After that, compare radial tire series, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall presentation, and product characteristics that suit how the car will be driven and presented.
A buyer focused on preserving a traditional performance look may lean toward blackwall tires across both ends, while someone building a more customized presentation may pay close attention to the wide whitewall option in the front size. Matching the tire to the wheel and keeping the staggered setup intact are the key practical steps.
What sidewall styles are available for 1978 Porsche 930 tires?
Blackwall is the main sidewall style available for 1978 Porsche 930 tire fitments, and it appears in both the 205/55R16 front size and the 225/50R16 rear size. A wide whitewall radial is also available in the 205/55R16 front size.
That means sidewall choice is not identical across both ends of the car. Anyone trying to maintain a uniform appearance should compare the front and rear offerings carefully, especially when replacing only one axle, so the visual presentation remains consistent with the car’s intended style.
What brands offer tires for the 1978 Porsche 930?
BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic offer tires in the sizes used on the 1978 Porsche 930. The 205/55R16 front size has options from all three brands, while the 225/50R16 rear size is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin.
Brand choice should be considered alongside tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width range rather than by name alone. The strongest comparison comes from looking at which brand offers the right fitment for the specific axle position and whether the tire’s character suits the car’s appearance and intended driving use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1978 Porsche 930?
A period-style 1978 Porsche 930 usually starts with preserving its staggered 16-inch fitment: 205/55R16 in front and 225/50R16 in the rear. Within those sizes, blackwall radial tires align most naturally with the car’s performance-oriented character and are available from BFGoodrich and Michelin.
Appearance goals should be balanced with the actual wheel setup and how the car will be used. For a restoration-minded project, keeping the correct size relationship front to rear matters as much as the brand choice, and owners chasing exact historical detail should verify finish and presentation against marque-specific references.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1978 Porsche 930 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1978 Porsche 930 restoration because the car uses a distinct front-and-rear size arrangement rather than a one-size setup. The 205/55R16 front and 225/50R16 rear combination plays an important role in the car’s visual stance and overall presentation.
Even when the goal is primarily appearance, tire selection should still begin with the proper size at each end and a wheel that supports it correctly. A restoration-oriented car with altered wheels, spacers, or suspension height may need extra checking so the finished look remains balanced and the fitment stays practical.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1978 Porsche 930?
Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1978 Porsche 930, especially because the car uses a staggered setup with different front and rear sizes. Aftermarket wheels, wheel spacers, suspension changes, or body alterations can all change how a 205/55R16 front or 225/50R16 rear tire sits on the car.
A tire that matches the correct size code still needs to be checked against the wheel’s actual width and the car’s available clearance. On a modified 930, it is worth confirming steering clearance in front and fender and suspension room at the rear before settling on a replacement tire.
What should I inspect before driving a 1978 Porsche 930 on new tires?
Before driving a 1978 Porsche 930 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the front and rear sizes are mounted in the correct positions, and check inflation, valve condition, and overall installation quality. A quick visual check for rubbing or uneven clearance is also worthwhile.
Collector and low-use cars deserve extra attention because storage can hide unrelated issues in brakes, suspension, or alignment that affect how new tires behave. A short initial drive followed by a second inspection helps confirm there is no unexpected contact, air loss, or imbalance once the tires are in service.
How should 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 tires on a collector 1978 Porsche 930 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1978 Porsche 930 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and periodic confirmation that the front 205/55R16 and rear 225/50R16 tires remain in good condition. Low annual mileage does not eliminate age-related tire concerns.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an infrequently driven car. Keeping the 930 away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires, and any sign of persistent air loss or visible deterioration should be addressed before putting the car back into regular road use.
