The 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX came from an era when compact sport compacts were blending everyday efficiency with sharper styling and trim-specific personality. For owners today, that makes tire selection less about broad nostalgia and more about matching the exact wheel and sub-model setup on the car. This Pulsar NX uses radial tires, but fitment splits between 195/60R14 and 185/70R13 depending on version. That opens up very different buying paths, from a single Michelin blackwall option in the 14-inch size to several 13-inch choices including blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles. The right choice starts with confirming whether the car is an SE or XE and checking which wheels are actually on it.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX
The 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down to sub-model and wheel diameter. One setup uses a 14-inch rim and the other uses a 13-inch rim, so the first step is confirming whether the car is an SE or XE and verifying the wheels currently installed. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to comparing available radial tire styles, brands, and product character within the correct size.
195/60R14 is a metric radial size in which 195 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX, this size belongs with the 14-inch setup rather than the 13-inch fitment used elsewhere in the range. Available choices in this size are focused and modern in presentation, with a Michelin MXV3-A blackwall option. It is the size to evaluate when the car is an SE or when a Pulsar NX clearly retains its 14-inch wheel package.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size where 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. This size gives the 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX a broad range of radial choices, including BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein offerings. Sidewall treatments include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, with several distinct tire series available as well. It is the right size to review for the XE and for any car that is still running the original-style 13-inch wheel diameter.
Fitment on the 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX is not shared across the covered sub-models. Checking whether the car is an SE or XE matters because each version uses a different radial size and a different rim diameter, which changes the pool of tire choices immediately.
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1987 Nissan Pulsar NX SE
The 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX SE uses the 195/60R14 radial fitment on a 14-inch wheel. That makes wheel confirmation the key first step, followed by selecting the available blackwall radial that suits a clean, later-1980s road-use presentation.
The 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX XE uses the 185/70R13 radial fitment on a 13-inch wheel. This setup gives the owner more freedom to choose among different brands, tire series, and sidewall styles while staying within the correct size family.
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 Pulsar NX Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX tires are all radials, with Michelin covering the 195/60R14 fitment and a wider mix of BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein options in 185/70R13. Buyers can compare blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles across several distinct tire series.
Common 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX tire questions usually come down to identifying the correct sub-model, confirming 13-inch versus 14-inch wheels, and then choosing among the available radial tire styles and brands.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX?
The 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX uses two different radial tire sizes: 195/60R14 and 185/70R13. The 195/60R14 size is used on the SE, while the XE uses 185/70R13. Those sizes are close in overall diameter, but they are built for different wheel diameters, so they are not interchangeable simply because they look similar in height.
The most important step is confirming the exact sub-model and checking the wheel diameter currently on the car. A 14-inch wheel requires the 195/60R14 fitment, and a 13-inch wheel requires 185/70R13. If the car has been changed from its original wheel setup, measure the wheel before choosing a tire.
What size rim does a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX use?
A 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX uses either a 14-inch rim or a 13-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The SE pairs with the 195/60R14 tire size on a 14-inch wheel, and the XE pairs with the 185/70R13 tire size on a 13-inch wheel. Rim diameter is part of the tire size itself, so the last number in each size confirms the wheel diameter.
Rim diameter should be verified before anything else because a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and a 14-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 13-inch wheel. If the car has aftermarket wheels, check the wheel stamping or measure the diameter and width before narrowing down brand, sidewall style, or tire series.
Why does the 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. The SE uses 195/60R14, while the XE uses 185/70R13. Even though both are radial tires and their overall diameters are very close, they are built around different wheel diameters and reflect different trim-specific setups on the car.
That means tire selection starts with the exact version of the car, not just the year and model name. Once the sub-model and wheel diameter are confirmed, the buying process becomes much simpler. The 14-inch fitment has a narrow product path, while the 13-inch fitment opens up more variation in sidewall appearance, brand, and tire series.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact car: 195/60R14 for the SE or 185/70R13 for the XE. From there, compare radial construction details, wheel compatibility, brand, sidewall style, and tire series. The 14-inch fitment is straightforward, while the 13-inch fitment offers a wider selection of blackwall and specialty appearance options.
The best choice depends on how the Pulsar NX will be used and how original-looking the owner wants it to appear. A clean blackwall often suits a stock road car, while a redline or wide whitewall creates a stronger visual statement. Wheel width should also be checked when that specification is available, especially on the 185/70R13 products.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, depending on tire size. The 195/60R14 fitment is represented by a blackwall Michelin option, while the 185/70R13 fitment has the broadest appearance range with blackwall tires plus BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions in redline and 2-inch wide whitewall.
That variety matters most for XE owners using the 13-inch size, since it allows the tire to influence the car’s overall look more strongly. A blackwall keeps the presentation restrained and period-aware, while a redline or whitewall changes the visual character immediately. The right choice still begins with the proper size and wheel diameter.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX?
Brands available for the 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX include Michelin, BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Vredestein. Michelin covers both fitments, with an MXV3-A in 195/60R14 and an XDX-B in 185/70R13. The 13-inch size also expands into BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial, Avon CR6ZZ, Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, Dunlop Sport Classic, and Vredestein Sprint Classic.
That spread gives 185/70R13 owners more room to compare visual style and tire-series character, while 195/60R14 buyers have a more focused path. Brand should be considered alongside the correct size, wheel diameter, and intended look of the car. A Pulsar NX driven regularly may call for different priorities than one kept primarily for shows or weekend use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX?
A period-style choice for a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX starts with matching the correct trim-specific size and wheel diameter. The SE uses 195/60R14, while the XE uses 185/70R13. Once size is settled, the visual direction becomes clearer: blackwall tires keep the look closer to a restrained late-1980s presentation, while some 13-inch options add more visual flair.
Restoration-minded buyers should think about whether the goal is a clean stock-style road car or a personalized period look. The available 185/70R13 lineup offers the widest appearance range, but exact originality should be checked against marque references, vintage photography, or vehicle-specific documentation if authenticity matters at a very high level.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX?
On the 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX, the primary fitments are already radial, so the appearance question is less about switching construction and more about sidewall presentation and tire-series character. A blackwall radial usually gives the car a clean, understated late-1980s look, while a redline or wide whitewall in 185/70R13 creates a much stronger period-style statement.
That makes the tire’s visual effect especially important on an XE using the 13-inch fitment, where more sidewall choices exist. The SE’s 14-inch path is simpler and more restrained. For a restoration, size and wheel diameter should remain correct first, then the sidewall treatment can be chosen to support the intended finished appearance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX?
Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX even when the tire size sounds close to stock. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offsets, suspension changes, or body modifications can all affect how a 195/60R14 or 185/70R13 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains during steering or suspension movement.
A modified car should be checked at the wheel, not judged only by the badge on the hatch. Confirm wheel diameter first, then verify width, inspect inner and outer clearance, and look for signs of rubbing at full lock and under compression. Those checks matter before choosing a tire series, sidewall style, or any alternate wheel setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then check valve stems, lug hardware, and overall tire seating after installation. The tires themselves should be examined for proper inflation, even bead seating, and any obvious clearance issue around the strut, fender edge, or inner wheelhouse.
A short test drive should be followed by another visual inspection. Listen for rubbing, feel for vibration, and recheck pressure once the tires have settled in. On an older compact like the Pulsar NX, worn suspension parts or alignment issues can show up quickly with fresh tires, so the car’s general mechanical condition deserves attention too.
How often should tires on a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. A quick visual check before each drive and a more thorough inspection at routine service intervals is a sensible approach. Look for uneven wear, cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded objects, and gradual air loss.
Collector and hobby cars often age their tires by time as much as by mileage, so sidewall and tread condition matter even when tread depth still looks good. Pressure should be checked with a gauge, and the spare and road wheels should be inspected together. Storage away from prolonged sunlight, heat, and ozone helps preserve the tires between drives.
