The 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza belongs to the final stretch of GM’s compact front-wheel-drive J-body era, when practical everyday transportation increasingly mixed economy-minded packaging with trim-specific styling and suspension differences. That matters at the tire level, because the 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza uses three radial tire sizes across its lineup: 175/80R13, 195/70R13, and the GT-only 205/60R14. For most Firenza sub-models, the decision centers on selecting the right 13-inch radial and the whitewall look that suits the car, while the GT adds a separate 14-inch fitment to verify first. The right choice starts with the exact sub-model, wheel diameter, and the kind of period-style appearance you want to preserve.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza
Three tire sizes apply to the 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza, and they are tied to both sub-model and wheel diameter. Most versions use 13-inch radial fitments in either 175/80R13 or 195/70R13, while the Firenza GT uses a 14-inch radial size, 205/60R14. Before choosing a tire, identify the exact sub-model and confirm whether the car is riding on 13-inch or 14-inch wheels.
175/80R13 is a metric radial size: 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza, this size supports the car’s standard radial fitment on 13-inch wheels. Available choices include Maxxis and BFGoodrich, with Classic Whitewall MA-1 and Silvertown Radial series options in narrow and wide whitewall styles. This size is worth considering when preserving a taller-profile 13-inch presentation on the Firenza sub-models that use it.
195/70R13 is also a metric radial size, using a 195-millimeter nominal width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim. For the 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza, it is one of the 13-inch radial fitments used outside the GT, giving buyers a second valid size to confirm against the car’s actual setup. In this size, BFGoodrich offers a Silvertown Radial with a narrow whitewall treatment. It is the size to evaluate when the car already uses the lower-profile 13-inch fitment and wheel diameter remains original to that configuration.
205/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter nominal width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch wheel diameter. On the 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza, this size is tied to the GT and stands apart from the 13-inch fitments used on the other covered sub-models. Its practical role is straightforward: it signals a different wheel-and-tire package that must be matched to the GT’s 14-inch wheel diameter before any comparison shopping begins. This is the size to verify first when the car is a GT or has been changed from its original wheel setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza because most versions share 13-inch tire sizes while the GT moves to a separate 14-inch setup. Identifying the exact Firenza trim is the quickest way to avoid choosing the wrong wheel diameter or profile.
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1987 Oldsmobile Firenza Base
The 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza Base uses 13-inch radial tire fitments, with 175/80R13 and 195/70R13 both associated with this sub-model. Tire selection comes down to confirming which 13-inch size is on the car now, then choosing the whitewall style and tire series that best match its intended look and use.
The 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza Cruiser shares the same 13-inch radial fitment pattern as several other Firenza sub-models, using either 175/80R13 or 195/70R13. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation simple, but the exact tire size still needs to match the vehicle’s present wheel and fitment setup before selecting among available radial options.
The 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza GT uses a different fitment from the rest of the lineup, with a 205/60R14 radial tire on a 14-inch wheel. That separates GT tire selection from the 13-inch Firenza models and makes wheel confirmation the first step before comparing replacement choices.
The 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza LC uses the same 13-inch radial tire-size family as the Base, Cruiser, LX, and S, with 175/80R13 and 195/70R13 both applicable. The main decision is not construction, since both are radial, but confirming the exact size already on the car and selecting the appearance that suits it.
The 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza LX follows the common 13-inch radial fitment pattern used across most Firenza trims, with both 175/80R13 and 195/70R13 associated with the model. That keeps tire selection focused on verifying the exact size on the vehicle, then comparing available radial products and whitewall treatments.
The 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza S uses the same 13-inch radial tire-size range found on most non-GT Firenza sub-models, including 175/80R13 and 195/70R13. Tire choice should start with the wheel diameter and current size on the car, then move to product details such as sidewall presentation and rim-width compatibility.
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 Oldsmobile Firenza Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza tire choices center on 13-inch radial products from Maxxis and BFGoodrich. Buyers can compare Silvertown Radial and Classic Whitewall MA-1 offerings, with narrow and wide whitewall styles available depending on the exact size.
Common 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheels, radial sizing differences, whitewall choices, and the checks worth making before putting a collector-era compact back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza?
The 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza uses three radial tire sizes across its lineup: 175/80R13, 195/70R13, and 205/60R14. Most covered Firenza sub-models use one of the 13-inch sizes, while the GT uses 205/60R14 on a 14-inch wheel.
The key is matching the tire to the exact sub-model and wheel diameter already on the car. A non-GT Firenza should not be treated the same as a GT, and two different 13-inch sizes are also in play on the other trims. Checking the existing tire sidewall and wheel size before ordering helps keep the replacement aligned with the car’s actual setup.
What size rim does a 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza use?
A 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model and tire size. The 175/80R13 and 195/70R13 fitments use 13-inch rims, while the 205/60R14 fitment uses a 14-inch rim on the Firenza GT.
Rim diameter is the first thing to confirm because a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. Once diameter is verified, it also helps to compare the wheel’s width with the tire’s approved rim-width range, especially if the car has replacement wheels or has been changed from its original package.
Why does the 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza has more than one tire size because different sub-models use different wheel-and-tire packages. Most trims are associated with 13-inch radial sizes, 175/80R13 or 195/70R13, while the GT uses a separate 205/60R14 radial fitment on a 14-inch wheel.
That means tire selection is not just about the year and model name. The exact Firenza trim and the actual wheel diameter on the car need to line up with the replacement tire. If the vehicle has changed hands or has had wheel swaps over the years, confirming the current wheel and tire combination avoids ordering by assumption.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 175/80R13 tire for a 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza?
Choosing a 175/80R13 tire for a 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza starts with confirming that this is the size currently used on the car’s 13-inch wheels. In this size, available options include radial products from Maxxis and BFGoodrich, with series differences such as Classic Whitewall MA-1 and Silvertown Radial.
Appearance is an important part of the decision because 175/80R13 is offered in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. It also helps to compare the tire’s approved rim-width range with the wheel already on the car, especially on an older compact that may have seen wheel changes during its life.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza tires?
Available sidewall styles for the 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments, depending on the exact tire size selected. The 175/80R13 offerings include both narrow and wide whitewall choices, while the available 195/70R13 product uses a narrow whitewall.
That makes sidewall style part of the visual decision, not just the fitment decision. A buyer trying to preserve a traditional late-1980s presentation may prefer one whitewall treatment over another, but the size and wheel diameter still need to come first. Once fitment is correct, sidewall choice becomes a useful way to shape the car’s overall look.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza?
Tires for the 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza are available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in the supported 13-inch sizes shown here. The product mix includes the Maxxis Classic Whitewall MA-1 and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial, giving buyers a choice between different series and whitewall presentations.
Brand choice should still come after the basic fitment questions are settled. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare the tire series, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, load figure, and the overall look you want on the car. That approach keeps the decision grounded in proper fitment rather than choosing by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza?
A period-style 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza should start with the tire size that matches the car’s actual sub-model and wheel diameter. Most trims use 13-inch radial sizes, while the GT uses a 14-inch radial, so the right foundation is proper fitment first and period-appropriate appearance second.
Among the available 13-inch options, whitewall treatment becomes a major visual choice. Narrow and wide whitewall styles create different presentations even within the same general era. If exact originality matters, the best next step is to compare the car against period photos, sales literature, and marque-specific references before settling on a final sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza?
On a restored 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza, tire construction is less about bias-ply versus radial debate and more about selecting the correct radial size and sidewall presentation. This Firenza uses radial tire fitments throughout, so the visual effect comes mainly from profile, wheel diameter, and whitewall treatment rather than a change in construction type.
That makes details like 13-inch versus 14-inch wheels and narrow versus wide whitewalls especially important to the finished look. A non-GT car on the wrong wheel diameter can look off even if the tire itself is a quality radial. Matching the trim, wheel size, and sidewall style helps keep the restoration visually coherent.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza. Wheel swaps, different offsets, lowered suspension, replacement springs, or body changes can alter how a 175/80R13, 195/70R13, or 205/60R14 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains during steering or suspension travel.
That matters even more on older cars that may no longer wear their original wheels. A Firenza GT and a non-GT already use different wheel diameters from the factory fitment range, so any later changes should be measured carefully. Checking wheel width, diameter, and visible clearance before installation helps avoid preventable fitment issues.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter matches the tire size, and make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for their application. It is also smart to look over the suspension, steering components, and alignment if the car has been stored or used infrequently.
A short test drive should be treated as a final check rather than the first inspection. Watch for rubbing, vibration, pull, or unusual steering feel, especially if the car has replacement wheels or older suspension parts. Collector-era compacts often sit for long periods, so a careful once-over is part of putting the car back into regular road use.
How should tires on a collector 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza should be inspected regularly for air loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, and cuts, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Radial tires on low-use vehicles can age out visually before they wear out, so condition matters just as much as remaining tread depth.
Proper storage also helps preserve the tires between drives. Keeping the Firenza away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can reduce premature aging. Pressure checks should be part of every pre-drive routine, and any vibration, flat spotting, or visible deterioration should be addressed before the car is taken on a longer trip.
