1987 Ford Mustang Tires

A 1987 Ford Mustang can use 225/60R15, 195/70R14, or 195/75R14, all in radial construction. The correct size depends on the specific sub-model and wheel setup. The GT uses 225/60R15, the LX w/Performance Pkg. uses 195/70R14, and the LX can use either 195/70R14 or 195/75R14.

The most important first step is confirming whether the car has 14-inch or 15-inch wheels, then matching the exact sub-model. Many Fox-body Mustangs have changed wheels over the years, so the tire currently on the car and the wheel diameter stamped or measured at the rim are both worth checking before choosing a replacement.

A 1987 Ford Mustang uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on sub-model and tire size. The 225/60R15 fitment uses a 15-inch rim, while both 195/70R14 and 195/75R14 use a 14-inch rim. Rim diameter is one of the key differences across this Mustang lineup.

That makes wheel confirmation essential before selecting a tire. A tire built for a 14-inch rim cannot be mounted on a 15-inch wheel, and vice versa. If the Mustang has aftermarket wheels, reproduction wheels, or a swapped wheel package from another Fox-body car, measure and verify the actual wheel before moving on to tire style or brand choices.

The 1987 Ford Mustang has more than one tire size because fitment changes across the GT, LX, and LX w/Performance Pkg. configurations. The GT uses 225/60R15, while 14-inch fitments include 195/70R14 and 195/75R14. Those differences reflect distinct wheel packages and tire profiles within the same model year.

For the buyer, that means the car's badge alone is not always enough. An LX especially needs a closer look, because two primary 14-inch sizes are associated with that sub-model. Checking the actual wheels already on the car, along with any suspension or wheel changes made over time, helps narrow the right replacement size quickly.

Start with the correct primary size for the exact Mustang sub-model, then confirm the wheel diameter before comparing individual tires. After that, the main considerations are radial size, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and any rim-width compatibility details tied to the specific product. Those factors shape both the car's appearance and its intended use.

A GT owner choosing 225/60R15 may be comparing performance-flavored blackwall or raised white letter options against redline or whitewall styles, while a 14-inch LX fitment may lean toward blackwall or classic whitewall choices. The strongest selection process balances correct size first, then visual presentation, wheel compatibility, and how the car is actually driven.

Sidewall choices for the 1987 Ford Mustang include blackwall, wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, redline, and RWL, depending on tire size. The 225/60R15 fitment has the broadest visual variety, while the 195/75R14 size leans more heavily toward whitewall selections. The 195/70R14 option is more straightforward, with a blackwall presentation.

That variety matters because sidewall treatment changes the personality of the car even when the size stays correct. A blackwall or raised white letter tire suits a more performance-oriented Fox-body look, while redline or whitewall options create a more customized or restoration-minded appearance. Matching the sidewall to the car's wheel style usually leads to the most cohesive result.

Brands available across 1987 Ford Mustang tire sizes include Goodyear, BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar. Brand choice depends heavily on the tire size, since the 225/60R15 selection differs from the 14-inch 195/70R14 and 195/75R14 fitments. Some sizes have a broad mix of performance and appearance-focused options, while others are narrower.

Brand should be compared alongside size, series, and sidewall style rather than treated as the only decision. A GT owner shopping 225/60R15 has a wider range of presentations to choose from, while someone replacing 195/75R14 may focus more on whitewall width and classic radial styling. The best comparison is the one that keeps fitment, look, and intended use aligned.

A period-style 1987 Ford Mustang tire starts with the correct primary size for the car's actual sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, the visual direction can vary significantly. A 225/60R15 GT can lean toward blackwall, RWL, or redline styling, while a 195/75R14 LX setup opens the door to several whitewall-focused radial choices.

The right appearance depends on how the car is being presented today. Some owners want a showroom-era performance feel, while others prefer a more personalized or restoration-oriented look. When exact originality matters, use period photos, factory literature, and marque-specific references to confirm whether a particular sidewall treatment matches the car's intended historical presentation.

Tire construction is straightforward on the 1987 Ford Mustang because the primary fitments here are radial across all listed sizes. Even within radial construction, though, appearance can vary a great deal depending on profile, sidewall style, and tire series. A blackwall performance radial creates a different impression than a redline, RWL, or whitewall radial in the same general era.

That means a restoration-minded owner should think beyond size alone. The tire's visual character needs to suit the wheel design, stance, and overall theme of the car. A Fox-body Mustang built around a sportier look may benefit from a more performance-oriented sidewall, while a traditional custom presentation may call for one of the available whitewall or redline options.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Ford Mustang even when the tire size matches one of the original primary fitments. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowering, spring changes, and body or suspension work can all influence how a tire sits and clears during steering and suspension movement.

That matters especially on Fox-body cars, which are often updated over time. A Mustang fitted with non-original wheels may need closer review of wheel diameter and width before using 225/60R15, 195/70R14, or 195/75R14. Clearance at the fender edge, inner wheelhouse, and front steering range should all be checked before finalizing a tire choice.

Before driving a 1987 Ford Mustang on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tires are seated properly, and confirm there is no visible interference at the fenders or suspension. It is also wise to check valve stems, lug torque, and inflation pressure so the car starts its road use on a solid baseline.

A short, careful test drive is the best next step. Listen for rubbing, pay attention to steering feel, and recheck pressure afterward. On an older Mustang, it also helps to inspect suspension bushings, shocks, and alignment condition, since worn chassis parts can make a new set of properly sized tires feel less stable than they should.

Tires on a collector 1987 Ford Mustang should be inspected regularly for air loss, uneven wear, cracking, cuts, and bulges, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-mileage collector use does not prevent tire aging, so condition matters as much as tread depth. Pressure checks are especially important when the car sits for extended periods.

Storage conditions also play a major role in how well the tires hold up. Keeping the Mustang away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber. Periodic movement of the car can reduce long-term flat spotting, and any older tire showing age-related deterioration deserves closer review before sustained road use.