The 1987 Nissan 300ZX sits squarely in the era when Japanese grand touring and performance coupes were blending sharp styling, everyday drivability, and more specialized chassis tuning. On this model, tire choice is tied closely to configuration, because the 2+2 and Base use 215/60R15 radials while the Turbo moves to 225/50R16 radials. That means the decision is not only about replacing a worn tire, but also about confirming the correct wheel diameter and matching the character of the car. Available choices range from restoration-minded whitewall or redline treatments to blackwall performance-oriented radial series, so appearance and intended road use both matter.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Nissan 300ZX
Two tire sizes apply to the 1987 Nissan 300ZX, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The 2+2 and Base use a 15-inch setup with 215/60R15 radials, while the Turbo uses a 16-inch setup with 225/50R16 radials. Before comparing brands or tread styles, confirm whether the car is a Base, 2+2, or Turbo and verify the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle.
In 215/60R15, the 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. This radial size is used on the 1987 Nissan 300ZX Base and 2+2, giving owners a modern metric fitment rather than an older bias-ply format. Choices in this size include blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles, along with series such as Asymmetrical Tread, Radial T/A, Sport Classic, CR6ZZ, and Sprint Classic. It is a useful size for owners balancing period-style appearance, touring use, or a more performance-focused presentation on a 15-inch wheel.
In 225/50R16, the 225 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 16 indicates a 16-inch rim. This radial size is used on the 1987 Nissan 300ZX Turbo, where the lower-profile metric format is part of a different wheel-and-tire package than the Base and 2+2 models. Available products in this size center on blackwall performance series from BFGoodrich and Michelin, including g-Force and Pilot Sport offerings. It should be evaluated as a Turbo-specific fitment, with wheel diameter and wheel width confirmed before selecting among the available 16-inch tires.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Nissan 300ZX because not every version uses the same tire size or rim diameter. The Base and 2+2 share one radial size, while the Turbo uses a different radial size on a larger wheel, so identifying the exact model comes first.
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1987 Nissan 300ZX 2+2
The 1987 Nissan 300ZX 2+2 uses the 215/60R15 radial size. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing the right 15-inch radial by appearance and intended use, whether the goal is a traditional look, a sportier sidewall treatment, or a blackwall touring-style option.
The 1987 Nissan 300ZX Base also uses the 215/60R15 radial size. Since the size is straightforward, the main decision becomes which available tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width specification best suit the car's current wheels and the look the owner wants.
The 1987 Nissan 300ZX Turbo uses the 225/50R16 radial size rather than the 15-inch fitment found on other 300ZX sub-models. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, then the choice shifts toward blackwall performance-oriented radial options built around the Turbo's 16-inch setup.
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 Nissan 300ZX Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Nissan 300ZX tires span 215/60R15 and 225/50R16 radials from American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, Vredestein, and Michelin. Buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styles, along with touring, classic, and performance-oriented tire series.
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Radial Tires
American Classic Radial | 2 Inch Whitewall | 215/60R15
Common 1987 Nissan 300ZX tire questions usually come down to identifying the correct sub-model, confirming 15-inch versus 16-inch wheel fitment, and choosing between appearance-focused and performance-oriented radial options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Nissan 300ZX?
The 1987 Nissan 300ZX uses two different tire sizes depending on sub-model. The Base and 2+2 use 215/60R15 radial tires, while the Turbo uses 225/50R16 radial tires. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they do not share the same rim diameter.
The practical first step is identifying whether the car is a Base, 2+2, or Turbo, then checking the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle. A car that has had wheels changed over the years may not still carry its original setup, so matching the tire to both the sub-model and the installed wheel is more important than assuming all 300ZX versions use the same size.
What size rim does a 1987 Nissan 300ZX use?
Rim size depends on which 1987 Nissan 300ZX sub-model is being fitted. The Base and 2+2 use a 15-inch rim with 215/60R15 tires, and the Turbo uses a 16-inch rim with 225/50R16 tires. That difference is central to selecting the right tire.
Checking wheel diameter before ordering tires helps avoid crossing a 15-inch size with a 16-inch wheel, or the reverse. It is also smart to confirm wheel width, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels, since product options in both sizes include rim-width specifications that should line up with the wheel currently on the car.
Do all 1987 Nissan 300ZX sub-models use the same tire size?
No, all 1987 Nissan 300ZX sub-models do not use the same tire size. The 2+2 and Base share 215/60R15 radial tires, while the Turbo uses 225/50R16 radial tires. The difference is not just the size code, but also the wheel diameter involved.
That means a tire search should start with the exact sub-model rather than the model name alone. On a car that has been modified or restored, a quick wheel measurement is still worthwhile, because the best product comparison only happens after the tire size and the installed wheel setup have both been confirmed.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Nissan 300ZX?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model: 215/60R15 for the Base and 2+2, or 225/50R16 for the Turbo. From there, compare radial construction details such as rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, weight, and load figures when they are available for the specific product.
The right choice depends on how the car is used and how it should look. A 15-inch 300ZX being kept in a more period-style presentation may call for a different sidewall treatment than a Turbo owner seeking a blackwall performance-oriented tire, so matching the tire to both the wheel and the car's role is the real decision.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Nissan 300ZX tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1987 Nissan 300ZX vary by tire size. In 215/60R15, available styles include wide whitewall, redline, raised white letter, and blackwall. In 225/50R16, the available products are blackwall tires, which suits the more performance-oriented character of that size category.
That variety matters most for Base and 2+2 owners using the 15-inch fitment, because sidewall appearance can noticeably change the car's presentation. Choosing among them should still happen after the correct size and wheel are confirmed, since appearance alone does not override proper fitment, rim-width compatibility, or the way the car is actually driven.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Nissan 300ZX?
Tire choices for the 1987 Nissan 300ZX include American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, Vredestein, and Michelin. Brand availability depends on size, with the 215/60R15 fitment offering the broadest mix and the 225/50R16 fitment focusing on BFGoodrich and Michelin blackwall performance-oriented options.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare each tire's series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width suitability in the exact size needed for the car, since a Base, 2+2, and Turbo do not all draw from the same group of products even though they share the 300ZX model name.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Nissan 300ZX?
A period-style 1987 Nissan 300ZX tire choice starts with the correct size for the sub-model, then moves to the visual character of the tire itself. For Base and 2+2 models in 215/60R15, options include redline, wide whitewall, raised white letter, and blackwall radials. Turbo models in 225/50R16 stay within blackwall radial choices.
The best visual match depends on whether the goal is a more restoration-minded look or a stronger performance-era appearance. Since sidewall treatment can change the car's presentation significantly, owners pursuing exact originality should compare the tire choice against vehicle-specific historical references rather than assuming every available style was used on every 300ZX.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Nissan 300ZX?
On the 1987 Nissan 300ZX, the primary fitments are already radial, so the construction question is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about the type of radial tire selected. Sidewall treatment, tread style, and overall tire character will have more visible effect on the finished look than construction alone.
That is especially true on the 215/60R15 fitment, where blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter choices create very different visual results. A restored car meant to echo late-1980s street appearance may call for a different tire presentation than one being kept restrained and stock-looking, even when both use the correct size.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Nissan 300ZX?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Nissan 300ZX. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body changes can all influence whether a 215/60R15 or 225/50R16 tire clears properly. Even when the size is correct for the sub-model, the actual car may no longer match its original wheel setup.
A modified car should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering range before final tire selection. That matters even more when moving between visual styles or performance-oriented products, because a tire that matches the size code still needs to suit the real-world wheel and chassis configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Nissan 300ZX on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Nissan 300ZX on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, verify proper inflation, and look over suspension and steering components that could affect tracking or clearance. It is also worth checking for any signs of rubbing potential, especially at full steering lock and through normal suspension movement.
A tire change is a good time to confirm the basics that make the car drive properly. Uneven wear, old alignment issues, bent wheels, or weak suspension parts can shorten tire life and spoil the feel of the car, so a careful once-over helps the new tires perform as intended rather than masking existing mechanical problems.
How often should tires on a 1987 Nissan 300ZX be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Nissan 300ZX should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven seasonally or spends long periods parked. Look for tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and gradual air loss, and pay attention to any vibration or change in steering feel that appears during normal road use.
Collector and hobby cars often age their tires before they wear them out, so visual condition matters as much as tread depth. A brief inspection before drives and a more careful check during routine maintenance helps catch problems early, particularly on cars with older wheels, low annual mileage, or long indoor storage between outings.
