The 1986 Plymouth Conquest sits squarely in the era of turbocharged, rear-drive sport coupes that blended sharp styling with genuine performance intent. Its fitment story is more specialized than many cars from the same period, because this model can use either a staggered 16-inch setup on TSi applications or a 15-inch radial on Turbo versions. That makes tire selection as much about confirming the exact sub-model and wheel package as choosing a brand or sidewall style. Available options range from blackwall performance-oriented radials to whitewall, redline, and raised white letter treatments. For a stock-style restoration or a road-driven collector car, wheel diameter and front-to-rear sizing should be checked first.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Plymouth Conquest
Three tire sizes apply to the 1986 Plymouth Conquest, and the correct choice depends on the exact sub-model and wheel setup. TSi configurations use a staggered radial arrangement with different front and rear sizes on 16-inch wheels, while Turbo models use a 215/60R15 radial on a 15-inch rim. Before choosing a tire, confirm both the sub-model and the wheel diameter currently on the car.
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 wheel diameter in inches. On the 1986 Plymouth Conquest, this size serves as a front fitment for TSi applications using the 16-inch setup. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic options, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size matters most when keeping the front end of a staggered setup properly matched to the rear tire and wheel combination.
215/55R16 is a metric radial size that uses a 215-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series profile, and a 16-inch rim. For the 1986 Plymouth Conquest, this size is used at the rear on TSi configurations equipped with the 16-inch wheel package. Product choices include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall versions, with offerings from BFGoodrich and American Classic. This size should be evaluated as the rear half of the car's staggered arrangement, so matching it to the correct front size and wheel diameter is more important than treating it as a standalone fitment.
215/60R15 is a metric radial size in which 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, and 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1986 Plymouth Conquest, this size belongs to Turbo models using the 15-inch wheel setup rather than the staggered 16-inch arrangement. The selection is broad, with blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter options from brands including American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein. It is the right size to focus on when the car has the 15-inch Turbo wheel and a non-staggered fitment.
Sub-model fitment on the 1986 Plymouth Conquest is not one-size-fits-all. TSi versions use different front and rear tire sizes on 16-inch wheels, while Turbo models use a single 15-inch radial size, so confirming the exact version of the car is essential before selecting tires.
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1986 Plymouth Conquest TSi Front
The 1986 Plymouth Conquest TSi Front uses a 205/55R16 radial as part of the car's staggered 16-inch setup. Tire selection here should stay centered on the correct front size and should be paired thoughtfully with the matching rear fitment rather than chosen in isolation.
The 1986 Plymouth Conquest TSi Rear uses a 215/55R16 radial, giving the TSi its wider rear fitment on 16-inch wheels. That makes rear tire choice part of a matched front-to-rear combination, with sidewall style and brand selection depending on whether the goal is performance character or a more custom appearance.
1986 Plymouth Conquest TSi w/aluminum wheels Front
The 1986 Plymouth Conquest TSi w/aluminum wheels Front also uses a 205/55R16 radial on the front axle. The important step is preserving the correct front size for the 16-inch package while comparing available blackwall or restoration-style sidewall treatments that suit the car's current look.
The 1986 Plymouth Conquest TSi w/aluminum wheels Rear uses a 215/55R16 radial at the rear. Keeping the rear fitment aligned with the proper front companion size helps maintain the intended staggered setup, especially if the car still carries its original-style 16-inch wheel arrangement.
The 1986 Plymouth Conquest Turbo uses a 215/60R15 radial on a 15-inch wheel rather than the staggered 16-inch TSi fitment. That gives the buyer a wider range of product styles and brands to compare within one size, including both performance-oriented blackwalls and more appearance-driven sidewall options.
The 1986 Plymouth Conquest Turbo w/aluminum wheels also uses the 215/60R15 radial size. Tire choice is therefore less about front-to-rear size differences and more about selecting the right construction details, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility for the existing 15-inch setup.
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 1986 Plymouth Conquest Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Plymouth Conquest tires span 15-inch and 16-inch radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein. Depending on size, the product grid includes blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter choices across several tire series and rim-width specifications.
Common 1986 Plymouth Conquest tire questions usually come down to identifying the correct sub-model, confirming 15-inch versus 16-inch wheel fitment, and deciding between performance-focused blackwalls and more appearance-driven sidewall styles.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Plymouth Conquest?
The 1986 Plymouth Conquest uses three radial tire sizes depending on sub-model and wheel setup: 205/55R16, 215/55R16, and 215/60R15. TSi applications use a staggered arrangement with 205/55R16 in front and 215/55R16 in the rear, while Turbo models use 215/60R15 on 15-inch wheels.
That means the first step is identifying whether the car is a TSi or a Turbo and then confirming the wheels currently on it. A car that has been modified, had wheels swapped, or changed from one package to another should be checked carefully before ordering, especially on the TSi where front and rear sizes are intentionally different.
What size rim does a 1986 Plymouth Conquest use?
A 1986 Plymouth Conquest can use either a 16-inch rim or a 15-inch rim, depending on the version of the car. TSi models use 16-inch wheels with staggered front and rear tire sizes, while Turbo models use a 15-inch wheel with 215/60R15 radial tires.
Rim diameter needs to be confirmed before anything else because a 15-inch tire and a 16-inch tire are not interchangeable. It is also worth checking wheel width when comparing products, since some tires in these sizes call for specific rim-width ranges and that can affect how well a given tire suits the car's existing wheels.
Why does the 1986 Plymouth Conquest have more than one tire size?
The 1986 Plymouth Conquest has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model and wheel package. TSi versions use a staggered 16-inch setup with one size in front and a wider size in the rear, while Turbo versions use a single 215/60R15 radial size on 15-inch wheels.
That distinction matters because the correct tire choice is tied to how the car is equipped, not just to the year and model name. A Conquest that still has its original wheel configuration is usually straightforward, but any car with aftermarket wheels or swapped factory parts should be measured and verified before selecting a replacement tire.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1986 Plymouth Conquest?
Start with the correct size for the exact Conquest configuration, because this model can use either a staggered 16-inch setup or a 15-inch single-size arrangement. After size is confirmed, compare construction details, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and any rim-width specification that applies to the wheel already on the car.
The best choice depends on how the car is used and how it is meant to look. A blackwall performance-style radial may suit a road-driven car, while a whitewall or redline option may better fit a custom or restoration-oriented presentation. Matching the tire to the wheel, stance, and intended use usually matters more than choosing by appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Plymouth Conquest tires?
1986 Plymouth Conquest tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size, including blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter. The broadest variety appears in 215/60R15, while the 16-inch sizes also include blackwall and selected whitewall or redline options.
Sidewall style changes the visual character of the car even when the size remains correct. Blackwall choices usually keep a more performance-oriented look, while whitewall or redline versions create a custom or restoration-inspired presentation. The key is choosing a sidewall treatment that matches the car's wheel design and overall style without losing sight of proper size and wheel compatibility.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Plymouth Conquest?
Tires for the 1986 Plymouth Conquest are available from BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein, depending on size. Some brands appear only in certain fitments, so the brand choices for a 205/55R16 front TSi application are not identical to the options available in 215/60R15 for a Turbo.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the tire series, sidewall style, and the exact wheel setup on the car. One owner may be looking for a blackwall sport-oriented appearance, while another may want a redline, wide whitewall, or raised white letter look. The right comparison is between tires that suit the same size and intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Plymouth Conquest?
A period-style 1986 Plymouth Conquest should begin with the correct size for its exact configuration: 205/55R16 front and 215/55R16 rear for TSi models, or 215/60R15 for Turbo models. Once the fitment is correct, the visual direction can shift toward a blackwall performance look or a more customized presentation through redline or whitewall options.
The right answer depends on whether the goal is an era-appropriate sport-coupe feel, a restoration-oriented appearance, or a personalized show-car look. Exact originality can vary by wheel package and individual vehicle history, so buyers pursuing a highly accurate restoration should compare the finished look against marque-specific reference material before settling on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Plymouth Conquest?
On the 1986 Plymouth Conquest, tire construction is less of a visual dividing line than it is on older collector vehicles because all primary fitments here are radial. The appearance difference comes more from the tire series and sidewall treatment, with blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter options shaping the final look.
That gives the owner room to tune the car's presentation without leaving the correct size family. A blackwall tire generally preserves the cleaner late-1980s sport-coupe character, while whitewall or redline versions create a more customized statement. For a restoration-oriented car, the strongest visual result usually comes from matching the tire style to the wheels and stance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Plymouth Conquest?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Plymouth Conquest even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width or offset, suspension alterations, and body or fender modifications can all influence clearance, especially on TSi cars that use different front and rear sizes on 16-inch wheels.
A modified car should be checked at full steering lock and through suspension travel before settling on a replacement tire. Wheel diameter also needs to match the intended size exactly, since this model uses both 15-inch and 16-inch applications. On a staggered setup, front and rear placement should never be assumed without confirming the current configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Plymouth Conquest on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Plymouth Conquest on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire sizes match the car's actual front and rear setup, and check that the tires seat properly on the rims. It is also wise to verify inflation, valve condition, and basic clearance around suspension and body components.
Collector and hobby-driven cars often sit for long periods, so the surrounding chassis deserves attention too. Look at alignment-related wear, wheel bearings, brake condition, and any signs of rubbing from previous tires. A short, careful road test after installation can reveal vibration, pulling, or contact issues before the car is taken on a longer drive.
How often should tires on a 1986 Plymouth Conquest be inspected?
Tires on a 1986 Plymouth Conquest should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long stretches. Check tread condition, air pressure, cuts, bulges, sidewall cracking, and any signs of uneven wear. A staggered TSi setup also deserves a quick front-to-rear confirmation during routine inspections.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on many collector-era cars. Tires can age even when they still show usable tread, so periodic inspection helps catch problems that are easy to miss on a low-use vehicle. It also helps confirm that a swapped wheel, gradual air loss, or suspension issue has not changed how the car sits or drives.
