1987 Pontiac Grand Prix Tires

A 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix can use 195/75R14, 205/70R14, or 215/65R15, depending on the sub-model and wheel package. Base, LE, LE w/aluminum wheels, and Grand Prix w/aluminum wheels use 195/75R14. Brougham, Brougham w/aluminum wheels, Performance Pkg., and Performance Pkg. & aluminum wheels use 205/70R14. The 2+2 and 2+2 w/aluminum wheels use 215/65R15.

The important point is that these are not interchangeable choices for every 1987 Grand Prix. Start by confirming the exact sub-model, then verify whether the car has 14-inch or 15-inch wheels before comparing brands or sidewall styles. Cars that have been changed over the years may no longer match their original wheel setup, so the actual wheels on the car matter as much as the trim name.

A 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the tire size and sub-model. The 195/75R14 and 205/70R14 fitments use 14-inch rims, while the 215/65R15 fitment uses a 15-inch rim. All of these are radial tire applications rather than bias-ply fitments.

Wheel diameter is the first thing to confirm because it determines which tire group even belongs in the conversation. A buyer looking at 205/70R14 or 195/75R14 options should be working with 14-inch wheels, while 215/65R15 belongs to a 15-inch setup. If the car has aftermarket wheels, check the wheel stamping or measure the rim before ordering tires by sub-model name alone.

The 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix has more than one tire size because different sub-models and wheel packages used different wheel diameters and tire profiles. Some versions use 195/75R14, others use 205/70R14, and the 2+2 applications use 215/65R15. Those differences reflect the way trim and package variations were equipped across the model line.

That means tire selection starts with the specific version of the car rather than the Grand Prix name alone. Two cars from the same year can both be correct while wearing different tire sizes, and the wheel on the car today may not be the one it left with. Confirming the actual wheel diameter and matching it to the proper size avoids chasing the wrong tire category.

Start with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model, because a 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix may need 195/75R14, 205/70R14, or 215/65R15. From there, compare construction, rim compatibility, load figures, and the visual character of the tire. Since all primary fitments here are radial, the real decision is usually between sidewall styles, brands, and tire series rather than between radial and bias-ply construction.

A whitewall tire can suit a more formal Grand Prix presentation, while RWL, OWL, blackwall, redline, or dual redline choices can shift the car toward a sportier period look. It also helps to check whether the car is still using its original wheel setup, since wheel width and diameter can narrow the suitable choices within the correct size.

Sidewall styles for 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix tires include OWL, RWL, blackwall, wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, redline, and dual redline, depending on the tire size. The 215/65R15 group includes OWL, RWL, redline, and wide whitewall choices. The 195/75R14 group focuses on wide whitewall and narrow whitewall designs, while 205/70R14 adds blackwall, RWL, redline, dual redline, and narrow whitewall options.

That variety matters because sidewall styling can change the personality of the car without changing its fitment. A Brougham or LE may look more at home with a whitewall treatment, while a Performance Pkg. car or 2+2 may call for a more aggressive lettered or redline presentation. The right choice depends on the car’s trim, wheels, and the period look the owner wants to emphasize.

Tires for the 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix are available from Goodyear, Cooper, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, Travelstar, and Michelin, depending on the size. The 215/65R15 fitment includes Goodyear, Cooper, and BFGoodrich choices. The 195/75R14 size includes Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar, while 205/70R14 includes Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin.

Brand choice should come after the correct size and wheel diameter are confirmed. Once fitment is settled, compare the brands by tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and the kind of look you want on the car. That approach keeps the selection grounded in the Grand Prix’s actual setup instead of choosing a brand first and trying to make the fitment work afterward.

A period-style 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix tire starts with the correct sub-model size, then narrows by visual presentation. Whitewall radials can suit Base, LE, and Brougham cars, while RWL, OWL, redline, or dual redline options may better match a sport-oriented presentation on Performance Pkg. cars or the 2+2. The most convincing result comes from matching the tire’s sidewall character to the trim level and wheel style.

Exact originality can vary by sub-model, wheel package, and how the car was delivered, so a restoration-minded owner should avoid choosing by size alone. Compare the available sidewall treatments against period photos, build information, or marque-specific references for the most accurate direction. Even when several tires share the right dimensions, they can create very different visual impressions once mounted.

On the 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix, the primary fitments are already radial, so the appearance question is less about switching construction and more about how the radial is styled. A blackwall or raised white letter tire can make the car look sharper and more performance-oriented, while whitewall and redline treatments can push the presentation in a more formal or period-themed direction.

Because all three primary fitments are radial, a restored Grand Prix does not require a bias-ply look to stay visually appropriate to its era. The more meaningful decision is choosing the correct size first, then selecting a sidewall style that complements the trim level, wheel design, and restoration goal. Small appearance details at the sidewall often have a bigger visual effect than the brand name alone.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix even when the tire size itself is correct for a factory sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, lowering, or body modifications can alter the space available for the tire. That matters on a car that already has three different size paths across the model range.

A Grand Prix with changed wheels may need closer attention to rim diameter and wheel width before a tire is selected. Suspension wear or altered ride height can also influence steering and fender clearance. Measuring the actual wheels on the car and checking clearances at full steering lock is a smarter step than assuming the original sub-model fitment still applies unchanged.

Before driving a 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and general condition, then check that the tires are inflated properly and seated correctly. It is also wise to confirm suspension and steering condition, since worn components can affect how a fresh set of radials tracks and wears. A quick look for clearance around fenders and inner wheel housings is worthwhile as well.

A newly mounted tire can reveal problems that an old, worn tire had been hiding. Pulling, vibration, rubbing, or uneven stance should be addressed before regular road use. On a collector-era Grand Prix, it also helps to recheck lug torque after initial driving and keep an eye on air pressure during the first few outings to make sure the tire and wheel setup is settling in properly.

1987 Pontiac Grand Prix tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Radial tires on low-use collector cars can develop problems from time and storage even when they do not show heavy mileage. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, or repeated air loss, and keep the car on a sensible inspection routine rather than judging by appearance alone.

Storage conditions matter, especially for a Grand Prix that spends long periods parked. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and moving the vehicle occasionally can reduce long-term flat spotting. Any change in ride feel, steering response, or visible sidewall condition is a reason to inspect the tires more closely before putting the car back into normal road use.