The 1989 Chrysler Conquest sits in a distinctive late-1980s performance niche, blending turbo-era sport coupe character with a chassis setup that reflects the period’s growing focus on grip and handling balance. Tire selection on this car is more involved than on many same-year coupes because the Conquest uses staggered 16-inch radial sizing, and the Performance Package changes both front and rear fitment. That makes size position and sub-model identification more important than simply choosing any 16-inch tire. Available choices lean toward blackwall performance radials, with one wide whitewall option in 205/55R16 for owners pursuing a more customized presentation. The right choice starts with confirming exactly which Conquest setup is on the car today.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Chrysler Conquest
The 1989 Chrysler Conquest uses three primary tire sizes, all in radial construction on 16-inch rims, but they do not apply across every configuration in the same way. Fitment depends on identifying the exact TSi setup and whether the tire is for the front or rear, especially on Performance Package cars where both positions change size.
205/55R16 is a modern metric radial size where 205 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1989 Chrysler Conquest, this size is used on the front of the TSi and supports the car’s position-specific fitment approach rather than a same-size setup at all four corners. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic offerings, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles represented across several series. This size matters when restoring standard TSi front fitment or matching the vehicle’s intended front-to-rear balance.
225/50R16 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter nominal section width, a 50-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. It serves two roles on the 1989 Chrysler Conquest: rear fitment on the TSi and front fitment on the TSi with Performance Package, so position on the car is just as important as the size itself. Product choices center on blackwall performance-oriented tires from BFGoodrich and Michelin, including g-Force and Pilot Sport series. This is the size to evaluate when the car uses the intermediate staggered setup rather than the narrower standard front or wider Performance Package rear.
245/45R16 is a metric radial size in which 245 is the nominal width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 16 identifies wheel diameter. On the 1989 Chrysler Conquest, this size is used at the rear of the TSi with Performance Package, making it the widest primary fitment among the covered configurations. Its role is tied to the Performance Package’s rear setup, so wheel width, tire clearance, and the car’s actual rear wheel configuration deserve close attention before replacement. This size should be chosen only when the Conquest still uses that wider rear-specific arrangement.
Sub-model and tire-position details matter on the 1989 Chrysler Conquest because fitment changes between the standard TSi and the TSi with Performance Package. Before choosing a tire, confirm both the exact configuration and whether the tire is for the front or rear of the car.
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1989 Chrysler Conquest TSi Front
The 1989 Chrysler Conquest TSi Front uses a dedicated radial front fitment rather than sharing the same size as every other covered position. That makes front tire selection a matter of preserving the standard TSi setup and matching the wheel currently on the car.
The 1989 Chrysler Conquest TSi Rear steps up to a wider rear radial size than the standard front. Tire choice here should account for the car’s staggered layout so the rear size is not confused with either the standard front or the Performance Package rear fitment.
1989 Chrysler Conquest TSi w/Performance Pkg. Front
The 1989 Chrysler Conquest TSi w/Performance Pkg. Front uses a larger front radial than the standard TSi front. That means owners should verify the Performance Package wheel setup before replacing tires, especially if the car has changed hands or seen aftermarket wheel swaps.
1989 Chrysler Conquest TSi w/Performance Pkg. Rear
The 1989 Chrysler Conquest TSi w/Performance Pkg. Rear uses the widest rear tire size offered for this model year and configuration. Selecting for this position starts with confirming the car still carries the Performance Package rear wheel and has the clearance to match that original-style staggered arrangement.
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 1989 Chrysler Conquest Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Chrysler Conquest tire choices focus on 16-inch radials from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. The main points of comparison are size by position, blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, tire series, and rim-width compatibility within each fitment.
The most common 1989 Chrysler Conquest tire questions center on staggered sizing, front-versus-rear fitment, 16-inch wheel compatibility, and how to choose among the available radial tire lines and sidewall styles.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Chrysler Conquest?
The 1989 Chrysler Conquest uses three primary radial tire sizes: 205/55R16, 225/50R16, and 245/45R16. The standard TSi uses 205/55R16 in front and 225/50R16 in the rear, while the TSi with Performance Package uses 225/50R16 in front and 245/45R16 in the rear.
That means the first step is confirming both the exact TSi configuration and the tire position on the car. The Conquest does not use one universal size across all covered setups, so replacement should match the front or rear application and the wheel arrangement currently installed.
What size rim does a 1989 Chrysler Conquest use?
All three primary tire sizes for the 1989 Chrysler Conquest are built around a 16-inch rim diameter. The 205/55R16, 225/50R16, and 245/45R16 fitments all share that same wheel diameter even though the width and profile of the tires change by application.
Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, since the Conquest uses different tire widths front to rear depending on the setup. It still helps to confirm the actual wheel width and position on the car, especially if aftermarket wheels or a previous owner changed the original staggered arrangement.
Why does the 1989 Chrysler Conquest have more than one tire size?
The 1989 Chrysler Conquest uses more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model and by axle position. The standard TSi and the TSi with Performance Package both use staggered sizing, so the front and rear tires are intentionally different rather than matched at all four corners.
That setup makes it important to identify exactly which Conquest version is being serviced before choosing tires. A front tire for one configuration can overlap with a rear tire on another, so checking the current wheel layout prevents ordering by year and model alone without confirming where the tire actually goes.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1989 Chrysler Conquest tire?
Start with the exact size and location on the car, since a 1989 Chrysler Conquest may use 205/55R16, 225/50R16, or 245/45R16 depending on the TSi setup and whether the tire is for the front or rear. All covered fitments are radial, so the main selection factors are size, wheel compatibility, tire series, and intended appearance.
After size is confirmed, compare the tire’s approved rim-width range, sidewall style, and any load figures that apply to that product. A Conquest kept close to its period performance look may call for a different choice than one aimed at custom presentation or mixed street use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Chrysler Conquest tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1989 Chrysler Conquest include blackwall and wide whitewall, depending on tire size and product line. Most of the performance-oriented options in 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 are blackwall radials, while a 1.50-inch wide whitewall option appears in 205/55R16.
That gives owners a choice between a more contemporary sport appearance and a more customized visual treatment. Sidewall style should still come after confirming the correct front or rear size, because the available appearance options are tied to specific fitments rather than spread evenly across every Conquest size.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Chrysler Conquest?
1989 Chrysler Conquest tire options include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. BFGoodrich appears across several 16-inch fitments with g-Force series choices, Michelin covers performance-oriented applications in both 205/55R16 and 225/50R16, and American Classic offers a whitewall radial in 205/55R16.
The practical difference is not just the brand name but how each option lines up with the car’s exact size, sidewall preference, and wheel specification. Once the front or rear fitment is confirmed, compare the available series within that size instead of assuming every brand covers every Conquest application equally.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Chrysler Conquest?
A period-style 1989 Chrysler Conquest tire choice starts with keeping the correct staggered radial size for the exact TSi configuration. The standard TSi uses 205/55R16 front and 225/50R16 rear, while the Performance Package uses 225/50R16 front and 245/45R16 rear, so the visual stance depends on matching those position-specific sizes.
From there, the appearance decision usually comes down to blackwall versus a more custom whitewall look where available. Owners pursuing strict historical accuracy should compare tire appearance against marque references or original vehicle documentation, since a correct size alone does not establish exact original presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 Chrysler Conquest?
On a restored 1989 Chrysler Conquest, construction affects appearance less through bias-ply versus radial choice and more through the tread and sidewall character of the available radial products. This car’s primary fitments are radial, so the visual differences come from tire series, blackwall presentation, and the availability of a wide whitewall in 205/55R16.
That means the restoration question is usually about preserving the right late-1980s stance and front-to-rear proportion rather than changing construction type. A tire can suit the car’s size and still alter its visual tone, so sidewall treatment and overall presentation deserve as much attention as the size code itself.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Chrysler Conquest?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1989 Chrysler Conquest, especially because the car already uses staggered sizing and position-specific 16-inch tires. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension lowering, or body modifications can all influence whether the intended front or rear tire still clears properly.
A Conquest that no longer has its original wheel setup should be checked carefully before replacement tires are chosen by size alone. Wheel width, offset, steering clearance, and rear fender room all deserve attention, since a tire that suits one configuration may create problems once the chassis or wheels have been altered.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Chrysler Conquest on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Chrysler Conquest on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct tire is mounted at the correct position, and check inflation pressure. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so worn parts do not affect how the new radials track or wear.
A short clearance check is worthwhile because this car uses different front and rear sizes depending on configuration. Turning the steering from lock to lock and watching for contact at the fender, suspension, and inner wheelhouse can reveal setup issues early, particularly on cars with replacement wheels or previous modifications.
How should tires on a collector 1989 Chrysler Conquest be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1989 Chrysler Conquest should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition even if the car sees limited mileage. Radials on low-use cars can still develop cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or internal deterioration long before tread wear becomes the deciding factor.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as driving habits. Keeping the car away from prolonged sun, heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire casing, while periodic movement and routine inspection make it easier to catch sidewall damage or uneven wear before a longer drive.
