The 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT arrived at a moment when Japanese performance cars were pushing deeper into grand-touring and technology-heavy sports-car territory. Its low, wide shape and driver-focused character gave the car a distinctly modern feel for the early 1990s, and tire fitment plays a big role in preserving that balance. On this model, tire choice depends first on whether the car uses the 225/55R16 setup found on Base and SL models or the 245/45R17 fitment used on the VR-4. Available options stay within radial construction, with meaningful differences in tire series and sidewall presentation that can affect both appearance and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT
The 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT uses two primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. Base and SL models use a 16-inch radial fitment, while the VR-4 uses a 17-inch radial fitment, so confirming the exact sub-model and the wheels currently on the car is the first step before comparing tire series, sidewall style, or driving purpose.
225/55R16 is a modern metric radial size in which 225 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT, this size belongs to the Base and SL models and keeps the tire selection focused on modern radial road-use choices. Available examples in this size come from BFGoodrich in blackwall form, including the g-Force Sport Comp 2 and g-Force Comp 2 AS series. It is the right place to start when the car retains its 16-inch wheel setup and the goal is a proper metric radial fitment.
245/45R17 is a modern metric radial size where 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 17 denotes the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT, this size is used on the VR-4 and reflects a wider, lower-profile 17-inch fitment than the Base and SL models. Choices in this size include BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac, with blackwall, raised white letter, and redline sidewall treatments across several tire series. It deserves careful evaluation when the car has VR-4 wheels or any later wheel changes that need exact diameter confirmation.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT because the tire size is not the same across the full range. Base and SL models share one setup, while the VR-4 moves to a different size on a different wheel diameter, making exact model identification important before choosing tires.
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1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT Base
The 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT Base uses the 225/55R16 radial size. That keeps tire selection centered on matching the 16-inch wheel setup and then choosing among available blackwall radial options that suit the car's intended road use and overall presentation.
The 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL also uses the 225/55R16 radial size. Tire selection follows the same basic path as the Base model: confirm the 16-inch wheels on the car, then compare the available radial series that fit that metric size.
The 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 uses the 245/45R17 radial size rather than the 16-inch setup found on other 3000GT sub-models. That means tire selection starts with the 17-inch wheel package and then broadens into a larger mix of brands, series, and sidewall treatments.
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 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT Tires for Sale
Available 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT tire choices stay within radial construction but vary meaningfully by size, brand, tire series, and sidewall style. BFGoodrich covers both primary sizes, while the VR-4's 245/45R17 fitment adds Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac options in blackwall, raised white letter, and redline form.
These 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT tire FAQs focus on the two factory fitment sizes, sub-model differences, wheel-diameter checks, radial tire choices, appearance options, and the basic inspection points that matter before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT?
The 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT uses two different tire sizes depending on sub-model. Base and SL models use 225/55R16, while the VR-4 uses 245/45R17. Both are radial tire fitments, but they are tied to different wheel diameters, so they are not the same setup presented in two formats.
The practical step is to confirm whether the car is a Base, SL, or VR-4 and then verify the wheels currently installed on it. Many older sports cars have had wheel changes over time, and that can affect which of the original 3000GT sizes still makes sense for the car's present configuration.
What size rim does a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT use?
A 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The Base and SL use the 225/55R16 size on a 16-inch rim, while the VR-4 uses the 245/45R17 size on a 17-inch rim.
That rim-diameter difference is the first thing to verify before selecting tires. A 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 17-inch wheel, and a 17-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16-inch wheel, so checking the actual wheel size on the car prevents the most basic and most common fitment mistake.
Do all 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT sub-models use the same tire size?
No, all 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT sub-models do not use the same tire size. The Base and SL share the 225/55R16 radial size, but the VR-4 uses a different radial size, 245/45R17, along with a different rim diameter.
That difference matters because the buyer decision is not just about tire brand or tread style. It starts with identifying the exact sub-model and confirming that the wheels on the car still match that setup, especially on vehicles that may have been modified, restored, or upgraded over the years.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 225/55R16 tire for a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT?
A 225/55R16 choice for a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT should begin with confirming that the car is a Base or SL and still uses the correct 16-inch wheel setup. In this size, the available options center on BFGoodrich radial tires in blackwall form, with different g-Force series offering the main point of comparison.
After confirming size, compare the tire's intended use, rim-width compatibility, and overall character. One owner may want a more performance-oriented road tire, while another may prefer a broader street-use balance, so the key is matching the series to how the car is actually driven rather than choosing by name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT vary by tire size. The 225/55R16 fitment is available in blackwall form, while the 245/45R17 fitment adds blackwall, raised white letter, and redline options depending on the tire series and brand.
That means sidewall style can become part of the decision once the correct size is established. A blackwall keeps a clean modern look, while raised white letter or redline versions can shift the appearance in a more custom or period-inspired direction, especially on a VR-4 running the 17-inch setup.
What brands offer tires for the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT?
Tires for the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT are available from BFGoodrich in both primary sizes, and the 245/45R17 VR-4 size also includes options from Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac. That gives the 17-inch fitment a broader spread of product character than the 16-inch fitment.
Brand choice should come after the correct size and wheel diameter are confirmed. Once that is settled, compare each tire by series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and intended use, since a drag-oriented radial, a general street radial, and an appearance-focused option do not serve the same purpose on the car.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT?
A period-style 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT tire choice starts with using the correct sub-model size: 225/55R16 for Base and SL, or 245/45R17 for the VR-4. Because this car came from the early 1990s and already uses metric radial sizing, keeping the proper size and wheel diameter is the foundation of an authentic-looking presentation.
After that, appearance comes from the tire's overall character and sidewall treatment rather than from switching to an older construction style. Owners seeking a close era feel should compare blackwall, raised white letter, or redline offerings carefully and use marque-specific references if exact restoration detail matters beyond general period style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT?
On a restored 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT, construction does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial decision because the primary fitments are radial. The visual effect comes more from the correct metric size, the wheel diameter, and the chosen sidewall style than from any change in basic tire construction.
That keeps the appearance decision focused on whether the car should look restrained, sporty, or more personalized within the proper fitment range. A blackwall generally preserves a cleaner factory-era impression, while raised white letter or redline versions can push the presentation in a more customized direction without changing the tire size itself.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT even when the tire size sounds correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, and body or brake modifications can all change the clearance picture around a 225/55R16 or 245/45R17 tire.
That is why the actual wheel diameter and wheel width on the car matter just as much as the size code itself. A careful check of steering clearance, suspension travel, and fender space helps prevent rubbing or mounting issues, especially on older performance cars that may no longer be in original configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT on new tires?
Before driving a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm proper mounting, and check that the tires hold air evenly. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering components, since worn parts can affect how a new set of tires behaves on the road.
A short follow-up inspection after the first miles is equally useful. Recheck air pressure, look for any sign of rubbing, and make sure the tires are wearing evenly across the tread, because those early clues can reveal alignment, clearance, or wheel-spec issues before they become more expensive problems.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT?
Before a longer drive in a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT, verify tire pressure, inspect the sidewalls and tread for cuts or damage, and make sure the car is running the correct tire size for its sub-model and wheel setup. On a low-use collector car, age and storage history deserve as much attention as tread depth.
Longer trips put more heat and load into the tires than short local use, so a basic pre-drive walkaround matters. Look for uneven wear, slow air loss, or contact marks inside the wheel opening, and pay extra attention if the car has aftermarket wheels, lowered suspension, or a tire size different from its original setup.