The 1987 Porsche 928 belongs to the later development of Porsche’s V8 grand touring flagship, a car known for blending high-speed stability with long-distance refinement. By this point, the 928 had evolved into a more modern performance machine, and tire fitment became a more specialized part of preserving that balance. The 1987 Porsche 928 S4 uses staggered 16-inch radial sizing, with 225/50R16 at the front and 245/45R16 at the rear. That setup makes front-to-rear size identification more important than simply choosing any 16-inch tire. For owners focused on road manners, appearance, and proper fit, the key is matching the correct axle size and confirming the wheel setup already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Porsche 928
The 1987 Porsche 928 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied to front and rear fitment rather than unrelated trim variations. Both sizes are radial tires for 16-inch wheels, so the first step is confirming whether you are replacing the front tires, the rear tires, or a complete matched set on an S4 with the original staggered arrangement.
A 225/50R16 tire is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series profile, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. On the 1987 Porsche 928 S4, this is the front tire size and plays an important role in maintaining the intended staggered setup. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Michelin blackwall radials across g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, and Pilot Sport lines. Selecting within this size is less about alternate fitment and more about comparing tire series, rim-width compatibility, and the driving character you want from the front axle.
A 245/45R16 tire is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. On the 1987 Porsche 928 S4, this size belongs at the rear, where it completes the car’s staggered front-to-rear tire arrangement. Its lower-profile metric format is part of the overall fitment balance rather than a cosmetic variation. Before choosing this size, it is worth confirming that the rear wheels remain the correct 16-inch setup and that no previous owner has altered wheel width, suspension height, or rear clearance.
Sub-model fitment on the 1987 Porsche 928 is straightforward once the axle position is identified. The S4 uses a staggered arrangement, so front and rear tire selection are not the same and should be matched to the correct wheel location.
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1987 Porsche 928 S4 Front
The 1987 Porsche 928 S4 Front uses the smaller of the two primary radial sizes in the staggered setup. Front tire selection should stay centered on the correct axle fitment, with attention to wheel width compatibility and keeping the handling balance appropriate to the car’s original layout.
The 1987 Porsche 928 S4 Rear uses the wider rear radial size that completes the staggered 16-inch fitment. Rear tire replacement should focus on preserving the intended front-to-rear relationship and confirming that the rear wheels and any suspension changes have not altered clearance needs.
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 Porsche 928 Tires for Sale
Available 225/50R16 options for the 1987 Porsche 928 include BFGoodrich and Michelin radial tires in blackwall form. The main points of comparison are tire series, rim-width compatibility, weight, and whether you want a more performance-oriented or all-season-leaning product within the correct front size.
These FAQs focus on the 1987 Porsche 928’s staggered tire sizing, 16-inch rim fitment, front-versus-rear selection, available product choices, and the maintenance checks that matter before putting a grand touring Porsche back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Porsche 928?
The 1987 Porsche 928 uses two radial tire sizes on 16-inch wheels: 225/50R16 and 245/45R16. On the S4 configuration, 225/50R16 is used at the front and 245/45R16 is used at the rear, creating a staggered setup rather than a same-size arrangement at all four corners.
That means tire selection starts with identifying axle position, not just model year and wheel diameter. A front tire should not be chosen as though it also covers the rear, and the rear should not be selected by diameter alone. If the car has aftermarket wheels or prior suspension work, confirming the actual wheel setup before replacement is a smart step.
What size rim does a 1987 Porsche 928 use?
The tire fitment for the 1987 Porsche 928 centers on a 16-inch rim diameter. Both 225/50R16 and 245/45R16 are built for 16-inch wheels, so the rim diameter remains consistent even though the front and rear tire sizes differ.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture on a staggered car like the 928 S4. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing available tires, and a 16-inch wheel does not guarantee that every 16-inch tire is appropriate for every axle. Checking the wheel dimensions already on the car helps avoid front-to-rear mix-ups or compatibility issues.
Why does the 1987 Porsche 928 have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Porsche 928 S4 uses more than one tire size because it has a staggered fitment, with 225/50R16 in front and 245/45R16 in the rear. That front-to-rear difference is part of the vehicle’s intended tire arrangement rather than an alternate size choice for the same wheel position.
For the owner, the practical takeaway is that replacement depends on where the tire is mounted. Ordering a full set requires confirming both front and rear sizes, and replacing only one pair means making sure the remaining tires still work sensibly with the rest of the setup. Any modifications to wheels, ride height, or alignment should be considered before changing sizes.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 225/50R16 tire for a 1987 Porsche 928?
A 225/50R16 tire on a 1987 Porsche 928 should first be chosen for the correct axle position, since this size belongs at the front of the S4 staggered setup. From there, the meaningful comparisons are radial tire series, brand, blackwall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility within the available 16-inch options.
BFGoodrich and Michelin choices in this size give the buyer different product families rather than different fitment categories. It helps to compare the tire’s intended use, its weight if that matters to your selection process, and whether the front wheels on the car remain within the stated rim-width range. Matching the front tire to the car’s actual setup matters more than chasing a generic 16-inch replacement.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Porsche 928 tires?
The available 225/50R16 products for the 1987 Porsche 928 use a blackwall sidewall style. That gives the car a clean, understated performance look that suits the late-1980s character of the 928 without introducing period-restoration sidewall treatments such as whitewalls or redlines.
Since the visible sidewall choice is consistent here, the decision shifts to brand and tire series rather than appearance treatment. Owners who want the car to retain a restrained factory-era presentation will usually appreciate the blackwall format, but the more important point is still using the correct front size and confirming that the full front-to-rear set remains properly matched.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Porsche 928?
Available 225/50R16 tires for the 1987 Porsche 928 come from BFGoodrich and Michelin. Within those offerings, the visible differences include g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, and Pilot Sport series, all in radial blackwall form for 16-inch wheel fitment.
Brand choice should be treated as one part of the selection process rather than the whole decision. It still makes sense to compare the exact tire series, wheel-width compatibility, and how the car will be used, especially on a grand touring Porsche that depends on balanced front and rear fitment. For a complete replacement plan, the rear size should be verified separately as well.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Porsche 928?
A period-style 1987 Porsche 928 tire choice starts with preserving the correct staggered radial sizing: 225/50R16 in front and 245/45R16 in the rear on 16-inch wheels. Because this is a late-classic performance grand tourer, the overall look depends more on maintaining the intended size relationship and radial profile than on decorative sidewall treatments.
Among currently available front-size products, blackwall radials keep the presentation restrained and appropriate to the era. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, comparing your car against marque references, build documentation, or long-term ownership history is worthwhile. That approach helps separate a visually suitable replacement from one that merely shares the same wheel diameter.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1987 Porsche 928 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1987 Porsche 928 because the car’s appearance and stance are tied closely to its staggered front-and-rear sizing. Using 225/50R16 in front and 245/45R16 in the rear helps preserve the visual balance that belongs with the 928 S4’s later, more developed grand touring character.
Fitment also affects more than looks. A restoration-minded owner should confirm wheel diameter, wheel width, and whether the car still carries its intended wheel setup before replacing tires. Even subtle changes from prior ownership can shift the decision away from a straightforward size match, so checking the actual hardware on the car is just as important as choosing a visually appropriate tire.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Porsche 928?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Porsche 928 even when the tire size itself sounds correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lowering, alignment changes, or bodywork repairs can all influence how a 225/50R16 front or 245/45R16 rear tire sits within the car’s available space.
That matters most on a staggered car, where each axle already has a different size and role. A modified 928 should be checked for steering clearance at the front, fender and suspension clearance at both ends, and the actual wheel dimensions already installed. Replacement decisions are much easier when the current hardware is verified before the new tires are selected.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Porsche 928 on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Porsche 928 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the tires are mounted in the correct front and rear sizes, and check inflation pressure carefully. It is also worth looking over valve stems, tread seating, and general clearance around the suspension, fenders, and inner wheel housings.
A short, cautious road test is a sensible follow-up after installation. Pay attention to vibration, pulling, rubbing, or any sign that the front and rear setup is not behaving as expected. On a car that may have spent time in storage, the condition of shocks, bushings, steering parts, and alignment can influence how new tires feel as much as the tires themselves.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 1987 Porsche 928?
Before a longer drive in a 1987 Porsche 928, check tire pressure, inspect the sidewalls and tread for damage, and confirm that the staggered sizes are installed in their proper front and rear positions. A quick look for uneven wear or slow air loss is especially worthwhile on a collector-era car that may not be driven every week.
Longer trips also put more attention on the rest of the chassis. Wheel balance, alignment, brake condition, and suspension health all influence how well the tires perform over distance. A grand touring Porsche feels most settled when the tires are not only the right sizes, but also supported by a sound wheel and suspension setup with no clearance or wear-related surprises.
