The 1982 Porsche 928 sits at an interesting point in the model’s evolution, blending grand touring refinement with the front-engine V8 character that made the 928 such a distinct alternative to more traditional Porsche layouts. Tire selection on this car is especially configuration-sensitive, because the 1982 Porsche 928 uses two different 15-inch radial sizes depending on whether the car is an automatic or a manual. That creates a very different buying path than a one-size vintage application. Available choices range from traditional blackwall performance-style radials to redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter options, so appearance matters alongside fitment. The first step is confirming the transmission-specific tire size before comparing style, series, and road-use priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1982 Porsche 928
The 1982 Porsche 928 uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct choice depends on the exact sub-model. Both sizes are radial tires for 15-inch rims, but the automatic and manual versions do not share the same fitment. Before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or tread series, the key step is confirming which transmission-specific setup the car has and whether the wheels still match that original size category.
215/60R15 is a metric radial size in which 215 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1982 Porsche 928, this size is used on the automatic version and keeps the selection within modern radial construction. Available choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styles from brands such as American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein. This size suits buyers who first need to confirm automatic-model fitment and then decide whether they want a more performance-oriented look or a more distinct vintage-style presentation.
225/50R15 is also a metric radial size, with 225 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, 50 identifying a lower profile sidewall than a 60-series tire, and 15 designating the wheel diameter. On the 1982 Porsche 928, this size belongs to the manual version rather than the automatic. Its practical role in the fitment story is simple: it is not interchangeable in principle with the automatic-model size just because both use 15-inch wheels. Buyers considering this size should verify the exact wheel and vehicle setup before moving forward, especially on cars that may have changed wheels or suspension over time.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1982 Porsche 928 because the automatic and manual versions do not use the same primary tire size. Both ride on 15-inch radial tires, but choosing correctly starts with matching the tire to the exact transmission-specific configuration.
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1982 Porsche 928 (Automatic)
The 1982 Porsche 928 Automatic uses the 215/60R15 radial size. That gives buyers several ways to tailor the car’s presentation, from blackwall performance-style choices to redline, wide whitewall, or raised white letter options, while staying within the correct size family.
The 1982 Porsche 928 Manual uses the 225/50R15 radial size rather than the automatic-model tire. That makes wheel confirmation especially important on cars that have seen later wheel swaps or suspension changes, since the correct selection starts with the manual-specific fitment.
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 1982 Porsche 928 Tires for Sale
Available 215/60R15 choices for the 1982 Porsche 928 span American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein, with blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter presentations across series such as Asymmetrical Tread, Radial T/A, Sport Classic, CR6ZZ, and Sprint Classic.
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Radial Tires
American Classic Radial | 2 Inch Whitewall | 215/60R15
These FAQs focus on the transmission-specific tire sizes used on the 1982 Porsche 928, along with 15-inch rim fitment, product selection, appearance choices, and the checks that matter before putting a collector-era grand touring Porsche back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1982 Porsche 928?
A 1982 Porsche 928 uses either 215/60R15 or 225/50R15, depending on the sub-model. The automatic version uses 215/60R15, while the manual version uses 225/50R15. Both are radial tire sizes built for 15-inch wheels, but they are not the same fitment.
The important next step is matching the tire size to the exact transmission-specific configuration on the car, then confirming the wheels that are actually on it today. Many older 928s have seen wheel changes over time, so a buyer should verify both the sub-model and the current wheel setup before choosing among available tires.
What size rim does a 1982 Porsche 928 use?
The 1982 Porsche 928 uses 15-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. That is true whether the car uses 215/60R15 for the automatic version or 225/50R15 for the manual version. The shared rim diameter does not mean the two sizes serve the same application.
Rim diameter is only the first check. Width also matters, especially when comparing available 215/60R15 products that carry different rim-width ranges. A car with replacement wheels should be measured carefully so the chosen tire matches the actual wheel, maintains proper seating, and clears the body and suspension through the full steering range.
Do all 1982 Porsche 928 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1982 Porsche 928 Automatic uses 215/60R15, while the 1982 Porsche 928 Manual uses 225/50R15. Both are radial tires on 15-inch rims, but the size itself changes with the sub-model, so the fitment is not shared across the full model line.
That difference matters because a buyer cannot assume that any 15-inch 928 tire will suit every 1982 car. Identifying the correct sub-model keeps the search focused and helps avoid choosing a tire based only on wheel diameter. It is also wise to confirm the current wheels if the car has been modified during its life.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 215/60R15 tire for a 1982 Porsche 928?
Start with correct vehicle application, since 215/60R15 belongs to the 1982 Porsche 928 Automatic. Within that size, the main considerations are radial construction, sidewall style, tire series, brand, and wheel compatibility. Available choices include blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter designs.
Selection should follow the role the car plays. A more traditional or custom visual presentation may point toward whitewall or redline options, while a performance-oriented look may favor blackwall or raised white letter tires. Rim-width range is also worth comparing, especially if the car no longer carries its original wheel setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1982 Porsche 928 tires?
For the 1982 Porsche 928 in 215/60R15, available sidewall styles include blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, and RWL, which is raised white letter. Those choices create a noticeably different visual character even when the size remains the same, so sidewall treatment is a meaningful part of the buying decision.
The best choice depends on the appearance you want from the car rather than on fitment alone. Blackwall options suit a restrained performance look, while redline, wide whitewall, or raised white letters create a stronger period-style statement. Once the correct size is confirmed, the sidewall style often becomes the clearest way to shape the car’s presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1982 Porsche 928?
The 1982 Porsche 928 has 215/60R15 tire options from American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein. Those products also span several series, including Asymmetrical Tread, Radial T/A, Sport Classic, CR6ZZ, and Sprint Classic, so brand choice overlaps with tread style and sidewall presentation.
Brand should be considered alongside the actual specification that matters to your car and intended use. Some buyers focus on a clean blackwall performance look, while others want redline, wide whitewall, or raised white letter styling. It helps to compare the full combination of size, sidewall treatment, tire series, and wheel compatibility instead of choosing by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1982 Porsche 928?
A period-style choice for a 1982 Porsche 928 starts with using the correct size for the specific sub-model: 215/60R15 for the automatic or 225/50R15 for the manual. From there, the visual direction comes from the available tire type and sidewall treatment rather than from size alone.
For buyers working from a restoration-oriented or era-inspired theme, blackwall tires usually preserve the cleaner grand touring character associated with the 928. Redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter options create a more personalized look. If exact originality matters, marque-specific references and historical photography are worth reviewing before settling on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1982 Porsche 928?
On the 1982 Porsche 928, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the construction itself aligns with the car’s original-era tire type more naturally than a bias-ply would. Appearance differences are shaped less by construction here and more by profile, tread character, and sidewall treatment within the correct radial size.
That means restoration-minded buyers should pay close attention to the visual details of the tire rather than treating all radials as identical. A blackwall Sport Classic or Sprint Classic gives a very different impression than a redline, wide whitewall, or raised white letter tire. Matching the sub-model-specific size remains the foundation for any appearance decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1982 Porsche 928?
Yes. Even though the 1982 Porsche 928 uses 15-inch radial tires, wheel changes, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body modifications can alter what fits safely and cleanly. That matters even more on this model because the automatic and manual versions already begin with different primary tire sizes.
A modified car should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering range before selecting tires. The safest approach is to treat the car in front of you as the final fitment reference, especially if its equipment no longer matches the original transmission-specific configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1982 Porsche 928 on new tires?
Before putting a 1982 Porsche 928 back on the road, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the tire size matches the correct sub-model, and confirm that the tires seat properly on the rims. It is also smart to check valve stems, inflation pressure, lug torque, and visible clearance around the suspension and body.
A short initial drive should be followed by another inspection for rubbing, pressure loss, or uneven contact marks. Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so brake condition, steering components, and suspension bushings deserve attention too. Fresh tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is in equally sound condition.
How should tires on a collector 1982 Porsche 928 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1982 Porsche 928 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and protected from long exposure to heat, direct sunlight, and ozone sources. Cars that are driven infrequently still need periodic checks because age and storage can affect tire condition.
It also helps to move the car occasionally so the tires are not left under load in one position for extended periods. Before any longer drive, look for pressure loss and recheck general condition even if tread appears good. Low-use collector vehicles can have tires that look presentable but still deserve careful age and condition review.
