The 1987 Dodge Daytona sits squarely in the era when front-wheel-drive American sport coupes blended sharp wedge styling with turbo-era performance ambitions and everyday practicality. Buyers looking at this exact year usually face a fitment question that depends on the specific Daytona sub-model, because 14-inch and 15-inch wheel packages were both used. Tire sizes for the 1987 Dodge Daytona include 185/70R14, 195/70R14, 205/60R15, and 225/50R15, all in radial construction. Available choices range from blackwall and wide whitewall styles to raised white letter options, depending on size. That makes wheel confirmation and trim identification the first step before narrowing the look, tire series, and road-use character you want.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Dodge Daytona
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1987 Dodge Daytona, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Every fitment here is a radial, but the car used both 14-inch and 15-inch rims, so confirming the sub-model and the wheels currently on the car is the first step before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or series.
185/70R14 is a metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Dodge Daytona, this size is one of the 14-inch fitments and suits buyers staying with the original wheel diameter used on the applicable sub-model. Product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall treatments from brands such as BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein across several tire series. It is a useful size to evaluate when appearance, touring character, and proper 14-inch wheel compatibility all matter.
205/60R15 is a metric radial size with a 205 millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim requirement. For the 1987 Dodge Daytona, this is one of the 15-inch fitments and belongs on the applicable sub-model rather than across the whole model line. Available choices span blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter sidewalls, with offerings from Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich in distinct tire series. This size deserves close attention if you want to match a 15-inch setup while still having visible style choices within the same fitment.
225/50R15 is a metric radial size where 225 gives the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Dodge Daytona, this size is tied to a specific sub-model and should be selected only after confirming the car's actual 15-inch wheel setup. Its lower-profile format gives it a different role within the Daytona range than the taller 14-inch sizes used elsewhere. Buyers considering this fitment should verify wheel dimensions and clearance carefully, especially if the car has been altered from its original configuration.
195/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 195 millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. Within the 1987 Dodge Daytona range, it is a distinct 14-inch fitment used on a specific sub-model rather than a universal size for every car. The available product offering here is a blackwall Dunlop Sport Classic, so the decision centers more on matching the correct size and wheel diameter than on choosing among many cosmetic variations. It is the fitment to focus on when the car retains that exact 14-inch application and the goal is a proper road-ready replacement.
Tire fitment for the 1987 Dodge Daytona varies by sub-model, so identifying the exact version of the car matters before choosing a tire. The Daytona line used both 14-inch and 15-inch applications, and each covered sub-model is tied to its own primary size.
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1987 Dodge Daytona Base
The 1987 Dodge Daytona Base uses the 185/70R14 radial fitment. That keeps the decision focused on selecting the right 14-inch tire style and series, while also confirming that the car still has the correct wheel setup if it has changed hands or been modified.
The 1987 Dodge Daytona Pacifica uses a 205/60R15 radial tire. This sub-model opens up several visible choice points within the same size, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter options, so the buyer can balance appearance with the existing 15-inch wheel package.
The 1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z uses the 225/50R15 radial size. Because this fitment is separate from the other Daytona applications, wheel confirmation is important before purchase, especially on cars that may have seen aftermarket wheel or suspension changes over time.
The 1987 Dodge Daytona w/AGT Pkg. uses the 195/70R14 radial fitment. Tire selection here is mainly about staying with the correct 14-inch size and choosing an appropriate road-use replacement rather than sorting through a wide range of sidewall treatments.
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 Dodge Daytona Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Dodge Daytona tire choices vary by size, with brands including BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, American Classic, and Coker Classic. Depending on fitment, the product grid may include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter options across series such as Silvertown Radial, Sport Classic, Sprint Classic, Primacy 3, Star Series, and Radial T/A.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
Common 1987 Dodge Daytona tire questions usually come down to identifying the right sub-model, confirming 14-inch versus 15-inch wheels, and comparing the available radial tire styles, brands, and appearance choices within the correct size.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Dodge Daytona?
A 1987 Dodge Daytona can use 185/70R14, 195/70R14, 205/60R15, or 225/50R15, depending on the exact sub-model. The Base uses 185/70R14, the Pacifica uses 205/60R15, the Shelby Z uses 225/50R15, and the Daytona w/AGT Pkg. uses 195/70R14. All of these are radial tire fitments.
The practical key is that the Daytona did not use one universal tire size across the entire model line. Start by confirming the sub-model and then verify whether the car still has its original 14-inch or 15-inch wheels, since wheel changes over the years can lead to a mismatch between the trim name and the tire size currently needed.
What size rim does a 1987 Dodge Daytona use?
A 1987 Dodge Daytona uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 185/70R14 and 195/70R14 fitments are for 14-inch rims, while the 205/60R15 and 225/50R15 fitments are for 15-inch rims.
That means wheel diameter needs to be confirmed before choosing a tire, especially on a car that may have been updated with aftermarket wheels. Tire sizes with different final rim numbers are not interchangeable across wheel diameters, so checking the stamping on the wheel or confirming the current mounted tire size can prevent ordering the right tire in the wrong rim diameter.
Why does the 1987 Dodge Daytona have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Dodge Daytona has more than one tire size because different sub-models used different wheel and tire packages. This model year includes two 14-inch sizes and two 15-inch sizes, with each fitment tied to a specific Daytona configuration rather than shared across the entire range.
That variation matters because two Daytonas from the same year can need different tires even though they look broadly similar. The best starting point is the exact sub-model name, followed by the actual wheel diameter on the car today. Once those are confirmed, the choice becomes much easier and shifts to brand, sidewall style, and tire series within the correct fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Dodge Daytona?
The first consideration is using the correct tire size for the exact 1987 Dodge Daytona sub-model, since this model year used four different radial sizes. After that, focus on wheel diameter, the tire's intended look, and the product range available in that specific fitment, because some sizes offer many choices while others are far more limited.
A 14-inch Base or AGT package car calls for a different approach than a 15-inch Pacifica or Shelby Z. It also helps to compare rim-width compatibility where it is stated, along with sidewall style, load figures, and the overall character of the tire series. Matching the tire to the car's current wheels and intended use is more important than choosing by appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Dodge Daytona tires?
Sidewall style depends on the specific 1987 Dodge Daytona tire size. Blackwall options appear across several applicable sizes, wide whitewall choices are available in 185/70R14 and 205/60R15, and 205/60R15 also includes a raised white letter option through BFGoodrich Radial T/A.
That gives the Daytona owner room to shape the car's presentation once the correct fitment is confirmed. A blackwall tire keeps the look restrained and era-appropriate for many late-1980s applications, while wide whitewalls create a more custom or specialty appearance. Raised white letters bring a more performance-oriented visual cue, but they still need to be chosen within the proper size and wheel package.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Dodge Daytona?
Brands available for 1987 Dodge Daytona fitments include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, American Classic, and Coker Classic. Brand choice varies by size, so the full range is not shared across every Daytona sub-model or every wheel diameter used in 1987.
That makes size confirmation especially important before comparing brand names. The 185/70R14 fitment has the broadest visible brand spread, while other sizes are narrower and may emphasize a particular look or tire series instead. Once the correct size is established, compare the available brands by sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility where given, and the type of use planned for the car.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Dodge Daytona?
A period-style 1987 Dodge Daytona starts with the correct size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, since the car used four different radial fitments. From there, the right choice depends on whether the goal is a clean late-1980s blackwall presentation, a raised white letter performance look, or a more custom appearance using one of the available wide whitewall options.
Because appearance options differ by size, the same visual treatment is not available across the whole Daytona range. Buyers aiming for a historically faithful restoration should confirm the car's original wheel and trim configuration through marque references or vehicle-specific documentation, then choose the closest appropriate tire style within that verified fitment rather than selecting by sidewall style first.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Dodge Daytona?
For the 1987 Dodge Daytona, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the main appearance difference is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about profile, sidewall treatment, and overall presentation within the correct size. A blackwall radial gives one look, while wide whitewall and raised white letter versions create distinctly different visual impressions on the same wheel diameter.
That makes it important to think about the car's finished style before choosing from the available products. A restoration-oriented Daytona often looks most cohesive when the tire size, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment all support the intended era character. Even with the right size, a dramatically different sidewall style can change the personality of the car more than many owners expect.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Dodge Daytona?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1987 Dodge Daytona. Wheel diameter and width changes, different offset, lowered suspension, spring changes, and body or fender alterations can all change what works compared with the original 185/70R14, 195/70R14, 205/60R15, or 225/50R15 fitments tied to the factory sub-model setups.
A Daytona that still carries its original wheel package is much easier to size correctly than one that has been altered over time. Checking the actual wheel dimensions, mounted tire markings, and clearance at steering and suspension travel is the safest way to avoid surprises. This matters most when moving between 14-inch and 15-inch applications or using wider performance-oriented tire setups.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Dodge Daytona on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Dodge Daytona on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model, and check for adequate clearance around suspension, steering, and body components. Tire pressure should also be set correctly, and the valve stems should be in sound condition.
A quick road-use inspection should also include the car's broader chassis condition, especially on a vehicle that may have been stored or driven infrequently. Worn shocks, loose steering parts, poor alignment, or tired bushings can affect how even a correctly sized new radial tire behaves. Taking a careful look before the first longer drive helps the Daytona feel settled and predictable.
How often should tires on a 1987 Dodge Daytona be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Dodge Daytona should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. Collector and hobby-use cars often spend long periods parked, so pressure loss, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and age-related deterioration can develop even when mileage stays low.
A good habit is to check the tires before each drive and give them a more thorough inspection after longer storage periods. Looking over the tread and sidewalls, confirming inflation, and watching for uneven wear can catch wheel, alignment, or suspension issues early. On a car with multiple possible factory fitments like the Daytona, it is also wise to recheck that all four tires truly match the intended setup.
