The 1987 Toyota Supra sits squarely in the late-1980s performance era, when Japanese sport coupes combined sharper handling, cleaner aero styling, and increasingly sophisticated road manners. Buyers looking at this exact Supra are usually balancing authentic stance with real-world drivability, especially on a car that may now see weekend, collector, or enthusiast use. Tire fitment centers on two radial sizes, 205/55R16 and 225/50R16, both built for 16-inch wheels. Within those sizes, the available choices range from modern blackwall performance radials to a wide whitewall option in 205/55R16. The right selection depends on the exact sub-model, wheel setup, and whether the goal is sporty road use or a more distinctive period-style presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Toyota Supra
The 1987 Toyota Supra uses two primary tire sizes, and the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel setup. Both sizes are radial fitments for 16-inch rims, but the Base model can use either 205/55R16 or 225/50R16, while the Turbo uses 225/50R16. Once the correct size is identified, the decision shifts to brand, tire series, sidewall style, and intended use.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size in which 205 identifies section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Toyota Supra, this size serves buyers who need the narrower of the two primary 16-inch fitments. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic offerings, with blackwall performance styles as well as a 1.50-inch wide whitewall option. It is a useful size to evaluate when maintaining the proper Base-model fitment or when appearance matters as much as handling feel.
225/50R16 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This size is the sole fitment for the 1987 Toyota Supra Turbo and also applies to the Base model, so it plays a central role in exact sub-model selection. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Michelin blackwall radials across performance-oriented series such as g-Force and Pilot Sport. It is the size to focus on when the car carries the wider primary setup and the goal is to stay within the proper 16-inch radial fitment.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Toyota Supra because tire size is not the same across every version. The Base model can use either primary size, while the Turbo is tied to the wider 225/50R16 setup, so identifying the exact configuration comes before comparing tire choices.
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1987 Toyota Supra Base
The 1987 Toyota Supra Base is the more flexible fitment within this model range, using either 205/55R16 or 225/50R16 radial tires on 16-inch wheels. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before choosing between blackwall performance options or the wide whitewall offering available in 205/55R16.
The 1987 Toyota Supra Turbo uses 225/50R16 radial tires, which narrows the size decision but still leaves meaningful variation within the available products. Selection comes down to confirming the existing 16-inch wheel setup and comparing the blackwall performance tire series offered in that size.
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 Toyota Supra Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Toyota Supra tire choices center on 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. Buyers can compare blackwall performance series across both sizes, while 205/55R16 also includes a wide whitewall option for a more distinctive appearance.
Common 1987 Toyota Supra tire questions usually come down to exact size by sub-model, 16-inch rim fitment, and how to choose between the available radial brands, series, and sidewall styles.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Toyota Supra?
The 1987 Toyota Supra uses two primary radial tire sizes: 205/55R16 and 225/50R16. The Base model can use either of those sizes, while the Turbo uses 225/50R16. Both sizes are built for 16-inch wheels, so the overall fitment question is less about construction and more about matching the exact size to the car's sub-model and wheel setup.
A Supra that has changed wheels over the years may not still carry its original size, so the smartest next step is to verify the tire size currently mounted and the wheel dimensions before ordering. Since the Base model can appear with either fitment, checking the sidewall and wheel width helps avoid choosing a tire that suits a different setup.
What size rim does a 1987 Toyota Supra use?
The primary tire fitments for the 1987 Toyota Supra are both designed around a 16-inch rim diameter. That applies to 205/55R16 and 225/50R16, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the two tire sizes differ in width and profile. The practical difference is in the tire itself rather than a change to a different rim diameter.
Wheel diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to confirm wheel width before selecting a tire. The available 205/55R16 products are matched to narrower approved rim-width ranges than the 225/50R16 options, and that can affect whether a given tire is appropriate for the wheels currently on the car.
Do all 1987 Toyota Supra sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1987 Toyota Supra sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base model can use 205/55R16 or 225/50R16, while the Turbo uses 225/50R16 only. That means the Turbo fitment is more straightforward, while the Base requires one additional confirmation before moving on to brand and tire-series decisions.
For a Base-model car, the current wheel setup matters because both primary sizes are legitimate fitments within this model range. Looking at the existing sidewall marking is the quickest starting point, but it is still wise to confirm wheel width and overall clearance if the car has been modified or if the mounted tires are not a trustworthy reference.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1987 Toyota Supra tire?
Start with the exact primary size that matches the car: 205/55R16 or 225/50R16 for the Base, and 225/50R16 for the Turbo. From there, compare radial tire series, approved rim-width range, load figures where stated, and the type of driving the car will actually see. On this Supra, the tire decision is mainly about selecting the right modern radial within the correct size.
Appearance can matter too, especially on a collector-owned car that is used sparingly or shown. Most options are blackwall performance radials, but 205/55R16 also includes a wide whitewall choice, which changes the car's visual character considerably. Matching the tire to the car's use, stance, and existing wheel setup usually leads to a better result than choosing by brand name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Toyota Supra tires?
The available sidewall styles for the 1987 Toyota Supra are primarily blackwall, with a wide whitewall option also available in 205/55R16. Blackwall choices appear across both 205/55R16 and 225/50R16, while the whitewall offering is a more appearance-driven alternative within the narrower size. All of these options remain radial tires for 16-inch wheel applications.
Sidewall style should be chosen with the overall look of the car in mind, not just the size stamped on the sidewall. A blackwall performance tire keeps the Supra closer to a late-1980s sporty presentation, while a wide whitewall creates a much different visual statement. The style choice should still come after confirming the correct size for the specific sub-model and wheel.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Toyota Supra?
BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic all offer tires within the primary fitments used on the 1987 Toyota Supra. BFGoodrich appears in multiple g-Force series, Michelin covers both 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 applications, and American Classic adds a 205/55R16 wide whitewall radial option. That gives the Supra buyer a mix of performance-oriented and appearance-oriented choices.
Brand alone should not be the deciding factor, because the product range differs by size and by intended character. A buyer comparing 225/50R16 options will mainly be looking at blackwall performance radials, while 205/55R16 opens the door to a whitewall presentation as well. The best comparison starts with correct fitment, then moves to tire series and sidewall style.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Toyota Supra?
A period-style 1987 Toyota Supra tire choice starts with the correct primary size for the specific car, then moves to the visual character of the available radial options. Blackwall tires in 205/55R16 or 225/50R16 keep the presentation closer to the Supra's late-1980s sporty identity, especially on a car meant to preserve its original-era roadgoing feel rather than make a dramatic visual change.
Selection becomes more nuanced on a Base model because both primary sizes are part of the fitment picture. Owners pursuing strict originality should confirm the car's actual wheel and trim history through marque-specific references before settling on a presentation. Once that is established, the tire can be chosen for the balance of stance, sidewall appearance, and intended use.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Toyota Supra?
Construction is straightforward on the 1987 Toyota Supra because its primary fitments are radial, not bias-ply. The bigger appearance difference comes from tire proportions, sidewall treatment, and tread presentation within the correct radial sizes. A blackwall radial preserves a more conventional late-1980s sport coupe look, while the wide whitewall option in 205/55R16 creates a noticeably different visual effect.
That means a restored Supra owner should pay close attention to the exact size and sidewall style rather than focusing on bias-ply-versus-radial decisions. Even within the proper 16-inch fitments, changing width and profile can alter how the car sits visually. Choosing the right look starts with verifying whether the car is a Base or Turbo and which wheel setup it actually uses.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Toyota Supra?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Toyota Supra even when the tire size itself looks correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, or body modifications can change how a 205/55R16 or 225/50R16 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains at full steering angle or suspension travel.
That is especially important on a Base model because both primary sizes belong to the fitment range. A car with replacement wheels should have its actual rim diameter and width checked before choosing between the available products. Looking at clearance around the fenders, inner wheelhouse, and suspension components helps prevent surprises after the new tires are mounted.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Toyota Supra on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Toyota Supra on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tires match the intended size, and make sure inflation is set properly for the installed tires and vehicle use. It also helps to check for rubbing at the fenders or suspension, especially after mounting a different tire series or after any previous wheel or suspension changes.
A short, careful road test is a smart final check on a collector or long-stored car. Pay attention to vibration, pulling, or contact noises during low-speed turns and over bumps. On an older Supra, it is also wise to look over suspension and steering components, since worn hardware can affect how even correctly sized new tires behave on the road.
How should tires on a collector 1987 Toyota Supra be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1987 Toyota Supra should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss deserve immediate attention, even on a car that is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not stop rubber from aging over time.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a car from this era. Keeping the Supra away from prolonged sunlight, heat sources, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve tire condition. Periodic movement of the vehicle also helps, and any tire that shows significant deterioration should be evaluated before the car returns to regular road use.
