The 1987 Chevrolet Nova came to market in the late compact-car era, when efficiency, tidy dimensions, and everyday drivability mattered more than oversized wheel-and-tire packages. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire selection is less about chasing a broad range of fitments and more about confirming which of the two original 13-inch radial sizes the car uses. The 1987 Chevrolet Nova runs either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13 radial tires, depending on the wheel and setup. Available choices range from traditional whitewall radials to a blackwall performance-oriented option. That makes it important to balance appearance, wheel compatibility, and the car's actual sub-model or wheel configuration before choosing tires.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Chevrolet Nova
The 1987 Chevrolet Nova uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial tires designed for 13-inch rims. Because both Base and CL models can use either size, the key step is confirming which tire size is on the car now and making sure the wheel width matches the tire being considered before choosing by sidewall style, brand, or series.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 155 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Chevrolet Nova, this size suits buyers who want to stay with a smaller-width 13-inch radial fitment. Product choices include whitewall presentations from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with narrow and wide whitewall styles available across several series. It is a strong option when preserving a more traditional compact-car look matters as much as basic road use.
175/70R13 is also a metric radial size, with 175 representing nominal section width in millimeters, 70 describing the aspect ratio, R for radial construction, and 13 for the wheel diameter. For the 1987 Chevrolet Nova, this size remains a primary 13-inch fitment but presents a different sizing profile than 155/80R13. Available product choice in this size centers on Avon’s CR6ZZ blackwall series, giving it a more performance-minded visual character than the whitewall options offered in the other size. It deserves a careful wheel-width and clearance check before changing from the alternate Nova size.
Tire fitment is straightforward in one sense, because both covered Nova sub-models use the same two radial 13-inch tire sizes. The important step is still confirming the exact wheel and tire setup on the individual car, since sub-model name alone does not narrow it to one size.
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1987 Chevrolet Nova Base
The 1987 Chevrolet Nova Base uses the same two primary radial tire sizes found across this page, both on 13-inch rims. That means selection comes down to verifying which size is actually on the car and then choosing among the available whitewall or blackwall product styles that suit its appearance and use.
The 1987 Chevrolet Nova CL shares the same dual tire-size fitment pattern, with radial tires on 13-inch wheels. Tire choice depends less on the CL badge and more on confirming the wheel-and-tire combination currently fitted, then matching the desired sidewall style, series, and rim-width compatibility.
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 1987 Chevrolet Nova Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Chevrolet Nova tire choices center on radial 13-inch fitments from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. Buyers can compare narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and blackwall styles across series such as UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, Tornel Classic, and CR6ZZ.
Common 1987 Chevrolet Nova tire questions usually come down to confirming whether the car uses 155/80R13 or 175/70R13, understanding 13-inch rim fitment, and choosing between whitewall or blackwall radial options that suit the car's appearance and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Chevrolet Nova?
The 1987 Chevrolet Nova uses two primary tire sizes: 155/80R13 and 175/70R13. Both are radial tire fitments for 13-inch wheels, and both Base and CL sub-models can use either size.
That means the first step is not choosing by trim badge alone. The practical check is to confirm the actual size mounted on the car now, verify the wheel width, and compare the intended replacement against the current setup before switching between the two Nova sizes.
What size rim does a 1987 Chevrolet Nova use?
The 1987 Chevrolet Nova uses 13-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the car is fitted with 155/80R13 or 175/70R13, the tire is designed around a 13-inch wheel diameter.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is smart to confirm wheel width as well. Some available 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 products have different recommended rim-width ranges, which can matter if the car has replacement wheels or an older set of rims still in service.
Do all 1987 Chevrolet Nova sub-models use the same tire size?
Both 1987 Chevrolet Nova Base and CL models share the same two tire sizes: 155/80R13 and 175/70R13. In that sense, fitment is consistent across the covered sub-models, because both use radial tires on 13-inch rims.
The important takeaway is that the sub-model itself does not narrow the car to one single size. Owners should still inspect the wheel-and-tire combination on the vehicle, especially if it has had wheels replaced over the years, before selecting a whitewall or blackwall radial in the correct size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155/80R13 tire for a 1987 Chevrolet Nova?
Choosing a 155/80R13 tire for a 1987 Chevrolet Nova starts with confirming that this is the size currently used on the car and that the wheel matches the tire's rim-width requirements. In this size, available options are radial tires with several traditional whitewall presentations.
After basic fitment is confirmed, the decision usually becomes one of appearance and product character. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles create different visual effects, while series and brand differences can matter to buyers focused on restoration-oriented presentation, casual road use, or maintaining a distinctly vintage look.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Chevrolet Nova tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1987 Chevrolet Nova include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and blackwall styles. The whitewall options appear in 155/80R13, while the available 175/70R13 product is a blackwall radial.
That makes sidewall style an important part of the buying decision, especially on a compact car where the tire is visually prominent. Buyers aiming for a more traditional 1980s presentation may prefer one of the whitewall radials, while a blackwall choice can suit a cleaner or more performance-oriented appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Chevrolet Nova?
Tires for the 1987 Chevrolet Nova are available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. Those brands cover the two primary Nova sizes, with most variety appearing in 155/80R13 and a more focused offering in 175/70R13.
Brand alone should not be the deciding factor. It helps to compare the exact size, sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and whether the tire supports the look you want for the car, since the available Nova options range from traditional whitewall radials to a blackwall CR6ZZ.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Chevrolet Nova?
A period-style 1987 Chevrolet Nova tire choice usually starts with staying in one of the car's original radial size formats, either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13, depending on the wheel setup. Among the available products, 155/80R13 offers the broadest traditional appearance choices thanks to several whitewall radial options.
That makes 155/80R13 especially appealing for owners who want a more restoration-oriented presentation without stepping outside the Nova's primary fitment range. Exact originality can depend on how the individual car was delivered, so buyers pursuing a highly accurate restoration should compare the tire choice against vehicle-specific historical references.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Chevrolet Nova?
Tire construction is simple on the 1987 Chevrolet Nova because both primary fitments are radial tires. The visual difference for a restored car comes less from bias-ply versus radial and more from the tire's proportions, sidewall treatment, and series styling within the correct radial size.
A narrow or wide whitewall can shift the car toward a more traditional presentation, while a blackwall gives a plainer and more contemporary look. Because both 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 are legitimate Nova fitments, appearance goals should be balanced with wheel compatibility and the setup actually installed on the car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Chevrolet Nova?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Chevrolet Nova even though the original fitment range is fairly simple. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body clearance differences can all influence whether 155/80R13 or 175/70R13 remains the better match.
A Nova that has been altered should be checked carefully before changing tire size or style. Wheel diameter, rim width, steering clearance, and the space around the fenders all matter, especially when moving between the two factory tire sizes or choosing a tire with a different sidewall presentation.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Chevrolet Nova on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Chevrolet Nova on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the intended setup, and make sure each tire is seated and inflated properly. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components on a car of this age.
A short test drive should include checking for rubbing, pull, vibration, or unusual clearance issues during turning. Older compact cars can have worn bushings, tired springs, or replacement wheels from past repairs, so a careful once-over helps confirm that the new tires work correctly with the car's current condition.
How should tires on a collector 1987 Chevrolet Nova be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1987 Chevrolet Nova should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration as much as tread wear. On lightly driven cars, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss can matter more than mileage alone.
Storage conditions also make a difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and occasional movement helps avoid long-term flat spotting. Before any longer drive, inspect tread and sidewalls closely and confirm the tires still suit the wheel setup on the car.
