The 1987 Subaru GL-10 sits squarely in the era when Subaru was building practical, all-weather cars with a loyal following among owners who value originality and real-world drivability. Whether the vehicle is a Turbo or a Wagon, tire choice on this model is tied closely to the exact sub-model rather than broad one-size-fits-all assumptions. The 1987 Subaru GL-10 uses radial tires on 13-inch wheels, with 185/70R13 and 175/70R13 both appearing depending on configuration. Available choices range from blackwall sport-oriented radials to period-style redline and wide whitewall treatments in 185/70R13. The right decision starts with confirming the sub-model, then matching the tire’s appearance and specifications to the way the car will be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Subaru GL-10
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1987 Subaru GL-10, and both use radial construction on a 13-inch rim. The key first step is identifying the exact sub-model, because the Turbo and Wagon do not share the same size. Once that is confirmed, the decision shifts to comparing available tire styles, brand options, and rim-width compatibility within the correct size.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 185 indicates section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Subaru GL-10, this size is used in radial construction and is tied to the Turbo sub-model. It offers the widest product selection here, including BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein choices, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size gives the buyer the broadest room to balance period-style appearance, road-use priorities, and wheel-width compatibility.
175/70R13 is also a metric radial size, with a 175-millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1987 Subaru GL-10, this size is associated with the Wagon rather than the Turbo, so sub-model confirmation matters before selecting a tire. Available products in this size are more focused, with Avon CR6ZZ providing a blackwall radial choice. It is the right path for owners who want to stay with the Wagon’s primary fitment while confirming wheel width and overall vehicle setup before installation.
Tire fitment on the 1987 Subaru GL-10 varies by sub-model rather than staying uniform across the range. Checking whether the car is a Turbo or a Wagon matters first, because each one uses a different 13-inch radial size.
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1987 Subaru GL-10 Turbo
The 1987 Subaru GL-10 Turbo uses the 185/70R13 radial size. That opens up a broader range of choices, including blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall options, so the selection can be tailored more closely to the car’s appearance and intended road use.
The 1987 Subaru GL-10 Wagon uses the 175/70R13 radial size. Tire selection is more straightforward here, so the main job is confirming the wheel setup and choosing a product that matches the Wagon’s original-size fitment approach.
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 Subaru GL-10 Tires for Sale
Available 13-inch radial choices for the 1987 Subaru GL-10 span BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, SP Sport Aquajet, XDX-B, and Sprint Classic. Sidewall treatments vary from blackwall to redline and wide whitewall in 185/70R13.
Common 1987 Subaru GL-10 tire questions usually center on the correct size for the Turbo or Wagon, 13-inch rim fitment, product differences, and what to inspect before putting a collector-era Subaru back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Subaru GL-10?
The 1987 Subaru GL-10 uses two different radial tire sizes depending on sub-model: 185/70R13 and 175/70R13. The Turbo uses 185/70R13, while the Wagon uses 175/70R13. Both are 13-inch radial fitments, but they are not interchangeable assumptions across the full GL-10 range.
The practical next step is confirming the exact sub-model and then checking the actual wheels on the car. A GL-10 that has been changed over the years may have aftermarket wheels or a different tire size installed, so matching the tire to the sub-model, wheel width, and present-day setup is more important than relying on appearance alone.
What size rim does a 1987 Subaru GL-10 use?
The 1987 Subaru GL-10 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 185/70R13 fitment used on the Turbo and the 175/70R13 fitment used on the Wagon. The shared wheel diameter simplifies one part of the search, even though the tire widths differ by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so the wheel’s actual width still matters when comparing tires. Some available products include wheel-width ranges, and those should be checked against the wheels on the car before choosing a tire, especially if the GL-10 no longer has its original wheel setup.
Why does the 1987 Subaru GL-10 have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears because the 1987 Subaru GL-10 was offered in sub-models that did not share identical fitment. The Turbo uses 185/70R13, while the Wagon uses 175/70R13. Both are radial tires on 13-inch rims, but the size difference is tied to configuration rather than a universal GL-10 specification.
That means the right tire choice starts with identifying the car correctly, not simply shopping by year and model name. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the buyer can focus on more useful details such as sidewall style, brand selection, and whether the wheel width matches the tire’s intended fitment range.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/70R13 tire for a 1987 Subaru GL-10?
Start by confirming that the car is a 1987 Subaru GL-10 Turbo, since 185/70R13 is the Turbo fitment. From there, compare the available radial choices by brand, tire series, sidewall style, and any rim-width information that applies to the wheel on the car. This size offers the broadest selection within the GL-10 range.
The decision often comes down to the kind of presentation and use the car will see. A blackwall sport-oriented radial gives a different look from a redline or wide whitewall Silvertown Radial, so appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended driving use should be weighed together rather than choosing by size alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Subaru GL-10 tires?
Sidewall style depends on tire size. In 185/70R13, the 1987 Subaru GL-10 has blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall options. In 175/70R13, the available choice is blackwall. That makes sidewall appearance part of the selection process mainly for the Turbo fitment rather than the Wagon fitment.
A sidewall treatment changes the character of the car visually even when the size stays the same. Buyers aiming for a more understated or sport-oriented look often stay with blackwall, while redline or wide whitewall options can create a stronger period-style impression on a restored or carefully preserved GL-10.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Subaru GL-10?
Available brands for the 1987 Subaru GL-10 include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Brand variety is strongest in 185/70R13, where multiple series are offered, while 175/70R13 is represented by Avon. The available lineup is entirely radial, which matches the GL-10’s primary construction type.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the exact tire series, sidewall style, and wheel specifications rather than as a standalone decision. A buyer choosing for a Turbo may compare a broader group of products, while a Wagon owner will spend more time confirming that the chosen 175/70R13 tire suits the car’s wheels and intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Subaru GL-10?
A period-style choice starts with the correct sub-model size: 185/70R13 for the Turbo or 175/70R13 for the Wagon. For buyers who want a stronger vintage presentation, the 185/70R13 fitment offers more visual variety through blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall radial options. The Wagon’s 175/70R13 choices are more restrained.
Appearance should still follow fitment, not replace it. A restored GL-10 looks most convincing when the tire size suits the sub-model and the sidewall treatment fits the owner’s visual goal, while wheel width and overall condition are checked carefully before installation on a collector-era Subaru.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Subaru GL-10?
On the 1987 Subaru GL-10, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the construction itself already aligns with the car’s late-1980s character. The visual difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial and more from the tire’s sidewall treatment, tread presentation, and overall profile within the correct 13-inch size.
That makes details like blackwall, redline, or wide whitewall more important to the finished look than changing construction type. A restoration-focused owner should choose the proper size first, then decide whether the car looks best with a subtle factory-era feel or a more stylized period-inspired presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Subaru GL-10?
Yes. A 1987 Subaru GL-10 may no longer have its original wheel and suspension setup, and changes to wheel width, offset, ride height, or body clearance can alter which tire works properly. That matters even when the intended size is the correct 185/70R13 or 175/70R13 fitment for the sub-model.
A modified car should be checked at the wheel, not just by model year. Steering clearance, spring and strut condition, and fender space are all worth reviewing before installing new tires, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels or has been lowered, raised, or otherwise altered over time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Subaru GL-10 on new tires?
Inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall wheel condition first, then confirm that the new tire size matches the GL-10 sub-model. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering for looseness or wear, since a fresh set of tires can reveal existing alignment or chassis problems quickly.
Once the tires are mounted, check air pressure, clearance at full steering lock, and any signs of rubbing during the first drives. A collector-era Subaru that has been parked for long periods also deserves attention to wheel hardware, brake condition, and any old components that could affect stable road behavior.
How should 185/70R13 or 175/70R13 tires on a collector 1987 Subaru GL-10 be maintained?
Collector-car tires need regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and protection from long periods of heat, sunlight, and moisture. On a 1987 Subaru GL-10, both 185/70R13 and 175/70R13 tires should be watched for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally.
Low-use vehicles often age tires out before they wear them out, so maintenance should include periodic inspection during storage and before road use. Keeping the car on sound suspension components, moving it occasionally, and checking for flat spotting or age-related deterioration helps preserve both ride quality and safe fitment.
