The 1987 Mazda RX-7 sits squarely in the second-generation FC era, a car known for blending rotary-powered character with crisp late-1980s sports-car proportions. Buyers looking at one today are often balancing originality, road manners, and the realities of wheels or trim-specific fitment. Tire choice on the 1987 Mazda RX-7 depends on the exact sub-model, with radial sizes ranging from 185/70R14 to 205/60R15 and 205/55R16. Available options span blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles across several tire series and brands. The key is matching the correct size to the car's actual wheel diameter before narrowing the choice by appearance and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Mazda RX-7
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. Base models use a 14-inch setup, several GXL, LX, and Sport models use a 15-inch setup, and the Turbo uses a 16-inch setup. Confirming the exact sub-model and rim diameter is the first step before comparing tire style, brand, or series.
185/70R14 is a metric radial size where 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Mazda RX-7, this size serves the Base and Base 2+2 configurations and keeps the fitment centered on a 14-inch wheel. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall designs from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein across series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. It is a strong fitment to evaluate when maintaining the smaller-wheel RX-7 setup with either a traditional or more performance-oriented look.
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 diameter. This size is used on 1987 Mazda RX-7 GXL, GXL 2+2, LX, LX 2+2, and Sport models, making it the central fitment for many non-Turbo trims. Product choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter sidewalls from Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich in series such as Primacy 3, Star Series, American Classic Radial, and Radial T/A. It is the size to compare when the car has the mid-range RX-7 wheel package and appearance matters as much as road use.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size in which 205 denotes nominal width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Mazda RX-7, this size is tied to the Turbo, so it should not be assumed for other trims without first confirming the wheel setup. Available products include mostly blackwall performance-oriented selections from BFGoodrich and Michelin, along with a wide whitewall option from American Classic. This is the fitment to review when keeping the Turbo's 16-inch configuration and comparing a more sporting presentation against a custom or restoration-style appearance.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Mazda RX-7 because tire size changes with the trim and wheel package. Several versions share a common size, but the full range spans 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch rim diameters, so identifying the exact sub-model prevents ordering around the wrong wheel setup.
1
1987 Mazda RX-7 Base
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 Base uses the 185/70R14 radial size on a 14-inch wheel setup. Tire selection here is less about multiple primary fitments and more about choosing the right blackwall or whitewall presentation within the correct size.
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 Base 2+2 shares the 185/70R14 radial fitment with the standard Base model. That keeps the focus on selecting among available tire series and sidewall styles rather than sorting through different primary sizes.
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 GXL uses the 205/60R15 radial size on a 15-inch wheel. This opens up a wider appearance spread, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter options, so the choice can be tailored to stock-style road use or a more custom presentation.
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 GXL 2+2 also uses the 205/60R15 radial fitment. With the size already established, the buying decision shifts toward sidewall style, brand preference, and making sure the wheel width matches the tire's intended application.
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 LX uses the same 205/60R15 radial size found on several other non-Turbo trims. That makes wheel confirmation straightforward and leaves room to compare more traditional whitewall options against cleaner blackwall or raised white letter choices.
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 LX 2+2 carries the 205/60R15 radial tire size on a 15-inch rim. Buyers can stay focused on product character and appearance, while still checking actual wheel width if the car has been updated from its original setup.
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 Sport uses the 205/60R15 radial size, matching several other 15-inch RX-7 configurations. The practical decision is choosing the sidewall treatment and tire series that suit the car's intended balance of late-1980s sporty appearance and regular road use.
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 Turbo uses 205/55R16 radial tires on a 16-inch wheel. Because this fitment is unique within the 1987 RX-7 range, wheel diameter should be confirmed first, then the choice can narrow to blackwall performance-style tires or a wide whitewall custom look.
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 Mazda RX-7 Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Mazda RX-7 tire choices span 185/70R14, 205/60R15, and 205/55R16 radials from brands including BFGoodrich, Michelin, Avon, Dunlop, Vredestein, American Classic, and Coker Classic. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles across touring, classic, and sport-oriented tire series.
Showing 6 of 14
Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
These 1987 Mazda RX-7 tire FAQs focus on exact size by sub-model, wheel diameter, sidewall and brand choices, and the fitment checks worth making before regular road use or changes to wheels and suspension.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Mazda RX-7?
A 1987 Mazda RX-7 can use three different primary tire sizes: 185/70R14, 205/60R15, and 205/55R16. The correct size depends on the sub-model. Base and Base 2+2 models use 185/70R14, GXL, GXL 2+2, LX, LX 2+2, and Sport models use 205/60R15, and the Turbo uses 205/55R16.
That means the first step is identifying the exact trim and confirming the actual wheel diameter on the car. Many RX-7s have seen wheel changes over time, so a quick check of the wheel and the existing tire size can prevent choosing a fitment meant for a different sub-model.
What size rim does a 1987 Mazda RX-7 use?
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 uses three rim diameters depending on sub-model: 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch. Base and Base 2+2 models use 14-inch rims with 185/70R14 tires, several GXL, LX, and Sport models use 15-inch rims with 205/60R15 tires, and the Turbo uses 16-inch rims with 205/55R16 tires.
Rim diameter is the key fitment checkpoint because each tire size is tied to a specific wheel size. Before ordering, look at the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has aftermarket rims, a trim swap, or changes made by a previous owner.
Why does the 1987 Mazda RX-7 have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 has more than one tire size because fitment changes across the model range. Base versions use 185/70R14, several mid-range trims use 205/60R15, and the Turbo uses 205/55R16. Those differences follow the sub-model and wheel package rather than representing interchangeable choices for every RX-7.
That distinction matters because a tire that is correct for one trim may not match the wheel diameter on another. Once the sub-model and wheel size are confirmed, the real comparison becomes sidewall style, brand, and the type of driving or presentation planned for the car.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Mazda RX-7?
Start with the correct size for the exact 1987 Mazda RX-7 sub-model, since the car can use 185/70R14, 205/60R15, or 205/55R16 depending on trim. From there, compare radial construction, wheel compatibility, and the style of tire that suits the car, whether that means a classic-looking whitewall, a simple blackwall, or a raised white letter option.
It also helps to look at the tire series and rim-width guidance where it is available, especially if the car no longer has its original wheels. A buyer focused on appearance may narrow the field differently than someone prioritizing regular road use on a Turbo or Sport model.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Mazda RX-7 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1987 Mazda RX-7 include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles, depending on the tire size. The broadest mix appears in 205/60R15, while 185/70R14 offers blackwall and wide whitewall options, and 205/55R16 includes mostly blackwall tires with one wide whitewall choice.
That variety gives the RX-7 owner room to shape the car's appearance without changing the primary fitment. A blackwall generally keeps a cleaner late-1980s sports-car look, while wide whitewall or raised white letter designs push the presentation toward custom or more overtly period-inspired styling.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Mazda RX-7?
Tires for the 1987 Mazda RX-7 are available from BFGoodrich, Michelin, Avon, Dunlop, Vredestein, American Classic, and Coker Classic, depending on size. Brand availability changes with the fitment, so the widest selection for one sub-model may not match the choices offered for another wheel diameter.
A useful way to compare them is by looking at the exact size first, then narrowing the field by sidewall style and tire series. That approach keeps the decision practical, since a Base model on 14-inch wheels and a Turbo on 16-inch wheels are shopping in different parts of the product range.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Mazda RX-7?
A period-style 1987 Mazda RX-7 starts with using the correct primary tire size for the exact sub-model: 185/70R14, 205/60R15, or 205/55R16. From there, the look can be steered through the available tire series and sidewall treatments, with blackwall choices offering a more understated sports-car presentation and whitewall or raised white letter options creating a more customized visual statement.
The best period-style choice depends on how closely the car is being restored and what appearance is being pursued. If exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque references, original literature, or build-specific history rather than relying on size alone.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Mazda RX-7?
On the 1987 Mazda RX-7, the primary fitments are all radial, so construction does not create a bias-ply versus radial appearance decision. The visual differences instead come from the tire's sidewall design, the styling of the series itself, and how the tire proportions work with the correct 14-inch, 15-inch, or 16-inch wheel package.
That makes size accuracy especially important on a restored FC RX-7. A car can look noticeably different if the wheel diameter or profile is changed, even when the tire still physically mounts, so staying with the correct sub-model fitment usually preserves the intended stance more effectively.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Mazda RX-7?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Mazda RX-7 even when the tire size matches one of the original sub-model fitments. Aftermarket wheels, suspension lowering, altered ride height, or body changes can all change how much room is available around the tire and whether the wheel width remains appropriate for the selected size.
A sensible check includes wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering range before settling on any replacement. This matters most when a Base, GXL, LX, Sport, or Turbo has been updated away from its original wheel package over the years.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Mazda RX-7 on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Mazda RX-7 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure inflation is set correctly for the tire and vehicle setup. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not immediately affected by worn parts.
A short visual inspection after mounting can prevent early problems. Check for sidewall contact, uneven gap at the fenders, valve-stem condition, and any signs of rubbing at full lock or full suspension travel, especially if the car wears non-original wheels or has been sitting for long periods.
How should tires on a collector 1987 Mazda RX-7 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1987 Mazda RX-7 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and close attention to age-related deterioration. Even low-mileage cars can develop cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or sidewall damage simply from long storage cycles, temperature swings, and infrequent use.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional movement can reduce prolonged contact stress. Before any longer drive, recheck pressure and inspect tread and sidewalls rather than assuming a stored car is ready to go.
