The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion sits squarely in the era when turbocharged Japanese sport coupes were becoming more specialized, with sharper handling, more aggressive wheel packages, and styling that still stands apart today. For Starion owners, tire choice is closely tied to the exact configuration because this model year uses both a staggered 16-inch setup on ESi-R applications and a 15-inch radial size on LE models. That opens the door to different brand, series, and sidewall choices depending on the car. The right selection starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then balancing appearance, intended road use, and proper fitment.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion
The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends first on the exact sub-model and whether the car is on 15-inch or 16-inch wheels. ESi-R applications use a staggered radial setup with one size at the front and another at the rear, while LE models use a single 15-inch radial size. Before choosing a tire, confirm both the wheel diameter and the specific Starion configuration on the car.
Fit(s): ESi-R Front and ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Front
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
In a 205/55R16 size, 205 is the section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion, this size is used in front-position ESi-R applications and is part of the car's staggered 16-inch setup. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic, with blackwall and wide whitewall options depending on the look you want. This size matters when preserving the correct front-to-rear relationship on an ESi-R rather than treating the car like a square-tire setup.
Fit(s): ESi-R Rear and ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Rear
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
The 225/50R16 code indicates a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim. On the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion, this size serves the rear position on ESi-R applications and complements the narrower 205/55R16 front tire. BFGoodrich and Michelin options are available here, all in blackwall form, with differences centered more on tire series and rim-width compatibility than sidewall appearance. Choosing this size correctly is especially important when keeping the intended staggered stance and handling balance of a 16-inch ESi-R setup.
A 215/60R15 tire uses a 215-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. This size applies to 1987 Mitsubishi Starion LE models, including LE versions with aluminum wheels, and it uses a single-size radial fitment rather than the ESi-R staggered arrangement. Product choices are broader here, including American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein, with blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styles. It is the right starting point for LE owners who want to balance period-style appearance with modern radial availability.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion because ESi-R versions use a front-and-rear staggered 16-inch tire arrangement, while LE versions use a single 15-inch size. Checking the exact sub-model and wheel setup prevents mixing the wrong rim diameter or applying an LE tire size to an ESi-R configuration.
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1987 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R Front
The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R Front uses a 205/55R16 radial tire as part of the car's staggered fitment. Tire selection here should keep the front position in mind and be matched with the correct rear size rather than chosen as a stand-alone full-vehicle size.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R Rear uses a 225/50R16 radial tire, paired with a different 16-inch front size. That means rear-tire selection should preserve the staggered setup and be checked against the actual wheel width and rear clearance on the car.
1987 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Front
The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Front also uses a 205/55R16 radial tire. Buyers choosing for this application should focus on front-position compatibility, tire series, and the overall balance of the staggered ESi-R wheel-and-tire combination.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Rear uses a 225/50R16 radial tire. The practical goal is to keep the rear size aligned with the car's front-and-rear staggered setup while selecting among the available blackwall radial choices in this size.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion LE uses a 215/60R15 radial tire on a 15-inch rim. That gives LE owners a wider range of appearance choices, including blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styles, depending on how original-looking or personalized the car is meant to be.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion LE w/aluminum wheels also uses the 215/60R15 radial size. Tire choice here centers less on fitment variation and more on selecting the right sidewall style, series, and rim-width compatibility for the actual wheel on the car.
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 Mitsubishi Starion Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Mitsubishi Starion tire choices span 205/55R16, 225/50R16, and 215/60R15 radials from BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styles across several sport and classic-oriented tire series.
Common 1987 Mitsubishi Starion tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 15-inch versus 16-inch wheels, staggered ESi-R sizing, and how to choose among the available radial tire styles and brands.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion?
The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion uses three primary radial tire sizes: 205/55R16, 225/50R16, and 215/60R15. The correct fitment depends on the exact version of the car. ESi-R applications use a staggered setup with 205/55R16 in front and 225/50R16 in the rear, while LE models use 215/60R15.
The key step is confirming whether the car is an ESi-R or an LE, then checking whether it still has the correct wheel diameter. A Starion that has been changed from its original wheel setup can easily lead to the wrong tire choice, especially when mixing up 15-inch and 16-inch applications.
What size rim does a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion use?
A 1987 Mitsubishi Starion uses either a 16-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. ESi-R applications use 16-inch wheels with staggered tire sizes, while LE models use a 15-inch wheel with a 215/60R15 radial tire. The tire size itself confirms the rim diameter through the final number in the code.
Wheel diameter should be checked before any tire purchase because a 15-inch LE tire and a 16-inch ESi-R tire are not interchangeable. It also helps to confirm wheel width, especially on a car with aftermarket wheels, since the available tires have different approved rim-width ranges by size.
Why does the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model and wheel package. ESi-R versions use a staggered arrangement with one front size and a wider rear size on 16-inch rims, while LE versions use a single 215/60R15 radial size on 15-inch rims.
That means tire selection is not just a matter of choosing a brand in the right diameter. The exact Starion configuration has to be identified first so the tire maintains the intended front-to-rear relationship on an ESi-R or the correct 15-inch fitment on an LE.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion?
Start with the exact size and wheel diameter the car uses, because the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion spans both 15-inch and 16-inch fitments. ESi-R applications also require attention to front-versus-rear sizing, while LE models use a single 215/60R15 size. From there, construction is straightforward because the supported primary fitments are radial.
Once fitment is confirmed, compare the tire's series, sidewall style, approved rim-width range, and load specification where those details matter. A Starion kept close to its original appearance may call for a different sidewall presentation than one built mainly for regular road use or a more personalized period look.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Mitsubishi Starion tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion vary by size. Blackwall is available across all three fitments, while the 215/60R15 LE size also opens the door to wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter options. The 205/55R16 front size includes blackwall and wide whitewall choices, while 225/50R16 remains blackwall in the available selections.
That makes sidewall style part of the decision, especially on LE models where appearance options are broader. A more understated look points toward blackwall, while whitewall, redline, or raised white letter tires can shift the car toward a stronger period-style or personalized visual character without changing the primary fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion?
Tires for the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion are available from BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein, depending on size. The 16-inch ESi-R fitments are covered mainly by BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic, while the 215/60R15 LE size has the widest brand spread and the broadest mix of sidewall treatments.
Brand choice should be filtered through the actual tire size on the car first, since not every brand appears in every Starion fitment. After that, it makes sense to compare the tire series, sidewall appearance, and wheel-width compatibility rather than assuming that one brand's offering serves every sub-model equally well.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Mitsubishi Starion?
A period-style 1987 Mitsubishi Starion starts with using the correct primary size for the exact sub-model. ESi-R applications should retain the staggered 205/55R16 front and 225/50R16 rear arrangement, while LE models use 215/60R15. From there, the visual tone comes from the tire series and sidewall treatment available in that specific size.
An owner aiming for a more restrained late-1980s presentation may lean toward blackwall tires, while LE owners also have whitewall, redline, and raised white letter options to create a more individualized look. When exact originality matters, the safest next step is checking marque literature, period photography, or other vehicle-specific reference material.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Mitsubishi Starion?
On the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion, primary fitment stays within radial construction, so the appearance difference comes less from switching construction types and more from the tire's profile, sidewall style, and series character. A blackwall radial gives a more restrained sport-coupe presentation, while whitewall, redline, or raised white letter versions can change the visual emphasis substantially.
That matters most on LE models, where the 215/60R15 size offers the widest appearance range. ESi-R owners have fewer sidewall variations, so preserving the staggered front-and-rear sizing becomes a bigger part of keeping the car's proper visual stance than chasing cosmetic changes alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion, especially because this model already uses more than one wheel diameter and, in ESi-R form, a staggered layout. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body alterations can all change how a given tire sits in relation to the fender, steering, and suspension.
A car that no longer has its original wheel setup should be measured rather than chosen by model year alone. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and the front-versus-rear arrangement should all be verified before selecting tires, since a modified Starion can require different clearance checks than a stock example.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It also helps to check for suspension wear, steering looseness, and any obvious clearance issue at full lock or under compression.
A short initial road test is a smart follow-up, especially on an ESi-R with different front and rear sizes. Listen for rubbing, watch for vibration, and recheck air pressure after the first drive. On a collector car that has been sitting, the rest of the chassis deserves attention just as much as the new tires.
How often should tires on a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion should be inspected regularly, not just by mileage. A collector-era sport coupe may spend long periods parked, which makes age, air loss, and sidewall condition just as important as tread depth. Frequent visual checks for cracking, bulges, uneven wear, or cuts are part of responsible ownership.
Inspection is especially important before longer drives or after seasonal storage. Pressure should be checked with the tires cold, and both front and rear sizes should be looked at carefully on staggered ESi-R cars. Any change in vibration, pull, or ride quality deserves a closer look before more road use.
