By 1987, Plymouth covered a wide stretch of the American market, from compact front-drive hatchbacks and sedans to the larger, traditional Gran Fury sedan. That broad lineup means 1987 Plymouth tire fitment is not a one-size-fits-all question: seven models use nine distinct radial sizes, with some shared across several nameplates and others tied to one specific model. The practical choice usually starts with identifying your exact model and wheel diameter, since Plymouth mixed 13-, 14-, and 15-inch applications across the range. Once that is confirmed, the next step is matching the right size to the way you want the car to look and drive.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1987 Plymouth
Nine tire sizes were used across 1987 Plymouth vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full lineup. Because these sizes span 13-, 14-, and 15-inch wheel diameters, the first decision is confirming the correct model and rim diameter before narrowing down sidewall style or product preference. Understanding that distinction up front makes it much easier to choose the right tire without crossing over into a size meant for a different Plymouth model.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Caravelle, Colt, Reliant, Sundance|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 185 millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, and speed ratings vary by product, including H at 130 mph and V at 149 mph; tube status also varies by product, with tubeless marking present on some versions. This is one of the more broadly shared 1987 Plymouth sizes, so it suits buyers who have confirmed a 14-inch application and want either a more traditional whitewall look or a sportier blackwall presentation.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Colt|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155/80R13 is a metric radial size that uses a 155 millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. It is available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, with a T speed rating at 118 mph appearing on some versions. This size is specific to certain 1987 Plymouth Colt applications and is a sensible choice when preserving the lighter, narrower footprint that belongs on those cars.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Colt|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 185 millimeter section width, a lower 60-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. Michelin offers this size in a blackwall radial, and tubeless marking is present with a V speed rating of 149 mph. This size is specific to certain 1987 Plymouth Colt applications and fits buyers who want the lower-profile look and road manners associated with that more sporting setup.
145/80R13 is a metric radial size with a 145 millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. This size is tied to a 1987 Plymouth Colt application, but no products appear here under that size. It is a model-specific fitment rather than a Plymouth-wide size, so Colt owners should confirm the wheel and sidewall marking on the car before moving to a neighboring 13-inch size.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Colt|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 175 millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. Avon offers this size as a blackwall radial with an H speed rating of 130 mph. This size is specific to certain 1987 Plymouth Colt applications and makes sense for owners who have confirmed that mid-width 13-inch setup and want to stay with the correct profile and wheel diameter.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Colt, Horizon, Sundance, Turismo|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165/80R13 is a metric radial size with a 165 millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich and Maxxis in wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles. This is another shared 1987 Plymouth size, covering several compact models and appealing to buyers who want a traditional whitewall look while staying with the correct 13-inch radial format.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Colt|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
185/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 185 millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop in blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline styles, with speed ratings varying by product from H at 130 mph to V at 149 mph. This size is specific to certain 1987 Plymouth Colt applications and gives owners the widest appearance and the most sidewall-style variety among the 13-inch Colt choices.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Gran Fury|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
205/75R15 is a metric radial size with a 205 millimeter section width, a 75-series profile, and a 15-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich, Tornel, and American Classic in wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and goldline styles. This size is specific to the 1987 Plymouth Gran Fury and suits buyers restoring or maintaining Plymouth's full-size sedan with the taller sidewall and larger wheel diameter that separate it from the compact and midsize models.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Reliant|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/80R13 is a metric radial size with a 175 millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. It is available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. This size is specific to the 1987 Plymouth Reliant and is the right place to start for owners keeping a more upright, traditional 13-inch fitment on Chrysler's familiar K-car platform.
Seven Plymouth models are covered for 1987, and tire size varies significantly across the range. Some sizes are shared between compact and midsize cars, but several fitments are tied to a single model, so identifying the exact model matters before choosing a tire. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the sizes that apply to that specific Plymouth.
1987 Plymouth Caravelle
The Caravelle gave Plymouth a tidy front-drive sedan with a more formal look than the brand's smallest hatchbacks. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and its fitment overlaps with other Plymouth passenger cars rather than the full-size Gran Fury.
The Colt sat on the compact end of the Plymouth lineup and came in several configurations, which explains its unusually broad spread of tire sizes. Depending on the application, Colt tires mount on either 13-inch or 14-inch wheels, making model-specific verification especially important here.
Gran Fury carried Plymouth's traditional rear-drive, full-size sedan character well into the late 1980s, serving buyers who still wanted a larger American car. Its tire fitment mounts on 15-inch wheels, setting it apart from the smaller front-drive Plymouth models of the same year.
The Horizon was Plymouth's practical compact hatchback, known for straightforward packaging and everyday usability. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, sharing a size with several other compact Plymouth applications.
Reliant was one of the signature K-cars, valued for simple ownership and conservative family-car manners. Depending on the application, its tires mount on either 13-inch or 14-inch wheels, so confirming the original wheel size matters before choosing between its two fitments.
The Sundance represented Plymouth's newer compact front-drive direction, with a more modern shape than earlier economy cars in the lineup. Its fitment can be either 13-inch or 14-inch depending on application, which places it among the models that need closer verification before tire selection.
The Turismo was Plymouth's sporty compact hatchback, sharing much of its character with the late Horizon family but with a more youth-oriented presentation. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels and use the same size found on a few other compact Plymouth models.
Thirty-three products are available across nine tire sizes for 1987 Plymouth vehicles. 185/70R14 has five radial choices from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in blackwall and wide whitewall styles; 155/80R13 has four from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel; 185/60R14 has one Michelin blackwall radial; 175/70R13 has one Avon blackwall radial; 165/80R13 has two from BFGoodrich and Maxxis; 185/70R13 has seven from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop in blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline; 205/75R15 has eleven from BFGoodrich, Tornel, and American Classic in wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and goldline; 175/80R13 has two from Maxxis and BFGoodrich. Confirm size choice first, then check the individual tire's speed rating and tubeless marking where they vary.
Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
These FAQs sort out the 1987 Plymouth lineup by model, wheel diameter, and tire size, with added guidance on sidewall style choices, setup details, and collector-car care for cars that may spend long periods between drives.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1987 Plymouth vehicles?
1987 Plymouth vehicles use nine radial sizes: 185/70R14 for Caravelle, Colt, Reliant, and Sundance; 155/80R13, 185/60R14, 145/80R13, 175/70R13, and 185/70R13 for Colt; 205/75R15 for Gran Fury; 165/80R13 for Colt, Horizon, Sundance, and Turismo; and 175/80R13 for Reliant. Rim diameters span 13, 14, and 15 inches, so there is no single year-wide fitment that covers the entire Plymouth range.
That spread matters because a buyer with only the year and make can still land on the wrong wheel diameter if the model is not confirmed first. Once you identify the model, compare the sidewall marking on the car and the wheel diameter before choosing a product, especially on Colt, Reliant, and Sundance applications where more than one size appears within the model line.
What does 185/70R14 mean on a 1987 Plymouth tire?
On a 1987 Plymouth tire, 185/70R14 is a metric radial size. The 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size appears on Caravelle, Colt, Reliant, and Sundance applications, making it one of the most broadly shared Plymouth fitments for 1987.
That code helps you separate this tire from similar-looking 13-inch and 15-inch Plymouth sizes. A 185/70R14 tire must mount on a 14-inch wheel, and the available products in this size range from wide whitewall touring-style choices to higher-speed blackwall radials, so the exact product can change the look and character even when the basic size remains the same.
Do all 1987 Plymouth models use the same tire size?
No, 1987 Plymouth models do not all use the same tire size. Caravelle uses 185/70R14, Gran Fury uses 205/75R15, Horizon uses 165/80R13, Turismo uses 165/80R13, Reliant uses either 175/80R13 or 185/70R14, Sundance uses either 185/70R14 or 165/80R13, and Colt has the broadest range with seven different sizes across its applications.
That means year and make alone are not enough for accurate selection on this page. If the car still has original wheels, the sidewall and wheel diameter usually point you in the right direction quickly; if the wheels have been changed over the years, use the exact model and measure the wheel before choosing a replacement size.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Plymouth tires?
1987 Plymouth tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and goldline. Smaller 13-inch sizes such as 155/80R13, 165/80R13, and 175/80R13 lean toward whitewall options, while 185/70R13 and 185/70R14 add blackwall choices, and 205/75R15 for Gran Fury brings in goldline alongside whitewall variations.
The right sidewall depends on the look you want and the personality of the car. A whitewall often suits formal or comfort-oriented Plymouth sedans, while blackwall or redline tends to fit sportier compact applications more naturally. Matching the sidewall style to the vehicle's era and presentation usually makes a bigger visual difference than small brand-to-brand changes within the same size.
What brands make tires for 1987 Plymouth vehicles?
1987 Plymouth tire coverage includes BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Travelstar, Maxxis, Tornel, and American Classic. Brand availability depends on size: 185/70R14 uses BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin; 155/80R13 uses Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel; 165/80R13 uses BFGoodrich and Maxxis; 185/70R13 uses BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop; 205/75R15 uses BFGoodrich, Tornel, and American Classic; and 175/80R13 uses Maxxis and BFGoodrich.
That brand mix gives Plymouth owners a choice between more traditional whitewall-oriented offerings and more performance-flavored blackwall radials in certain sizes. The smartest approach is to narrow the search by exact size first, then compare the visual style, speed rating where present, and rim-width compatibility of the brands that support your specific application.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Michelin XAS for a 1987 Plymouth?
For 1987 Plymouth applications in 185/70R14, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Michelin XAS serve different tastes. The BFGoodrich version uses a wide whitewall presentation, carries a 1201-pound load figure at 35 psi, and fits 5.00- to 6.50-inch rims. The Michelin XAS is a blackwall radial marked 185/70VR14 88V TL, fits 4.50- to 6.00-inch rims, and carries a V speed rating with a 149 mph ceiling.
In practical terms, the BFGoodrich leans toward a more traditional visual statement, while the Michelin suits a buyer who wants a period European-style blackwall radial with a higher stated speed category. Both still need to match the car's wheel width and intended appearance, so the choice is less about right versus wrong and more about style, fit range, and how the car will be used.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1987 Plymouth tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size on 1987 Plymouth vehicles. 185/70R14 products span from 4.5-6.0 inches to 5.00-6.50 inches depending on brand. 155/80R13 ranges from 4.00-5.00 to 4.50-5.50 inches, 185/60R14 fits 5.0-6.0 inches, 175/70R13 fits 4.5-6.0 inches, 165/80R13 fits 4.50-6.00 inches, 185/70R13 spans 4.5-6.0 to 5.00-6.50 inches, 205/75R15 fits 5.50-7.50 inches, and 175/80R13 fits 4.50-6.00 inches.
That range is why wheel verification matters even after you have the correct tire size. Two tires with the same sidewall code can still have slightly different approved wheel-width windows by brand, so owners working with aftermarket wheels or uncertain originals should measure the wheel before settling on a specific product.
Do 1987 Plymouth tires require inner tubes?
Most 1987 Plymouth tire offerings on this page are radial passenger-car tires, and tubeless marking appears on some products such as Michelin XAS in 185/70R14 and Michelin Pilot Exalto in 185/60R14. Several other products do not show a tube-type or tubeless marking in the size description, so tube status can vary by product rather than by Plymouth model alone.
The key step is to check the exact sidewall marking and the wheel itself before installation. A tire marked TL is intended as tubeless, but wheel condition still matters on an older car; if the wheel has rust, pitting, or a bead-seat issue, a tire professional should inspect it before the car returns to regular road use.
Can the original 1987 Plymouth wheels be used with all tire sizes?
No, the original 1987 Plymouth wheels cannot be assumed to work with all tire sizes across the lineup because Plymouth used 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch wheel diameters that year. A 205/75R15 Gran Fury tire belongs on a 15-inch wheel, while many Colt, Horizon, Sundance, Turismo, and Reliant applications use 13-inch wheels, and Caravelle and some other models use 14-inch sizes.
Original wheels can usually be reused when the replacement tire matches the same diameter and falls within the tire maker's approved rim-width range. That means the better question is whether the wheel fits the exact size for your model, not whether one Plymouth wheel can cover the whole 1987 range.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1987 Plymouth when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1987 Plymouth should be kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone sources that accelerate sidewall aging. Clean, dry flooring helps, and moving the car occasionally prevents one section of the tire from carrying the load for months at a time. Radials generally tolerate storage better than older bias-ply designs, but any collector tire benefits from reduced static load and a stable indoor environment.
If the car will sit for an extended season, inflate the tires to the pressure you have chosen for storage and roll the car periodically or support it in a way that avoids prolonged deformation. A tire cover and a garage with moderate temperature swings do more for long-term appearance and service life than most cosmetic treatments.
How long do tires on a 1987 Plymouth typically last?
Tires on a 1987 Plymouth should be judged by age and condition more than mileage, especially on collector or low-use cars. A useful rule is to begin evaluating them closely at around five to seven years of service and to treat about ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the sidewall gives the production week and year.
Older tires can look presentable and still harden internally, lose grip, or develop age cracking that makes highway use less comfortable and less predictable. If the car has been sitting, a fresh inspection is wise even before a short drive, because time, storage conditions, and inflation history matter as much as tread depth on a vintage Plymouth.
How often should tires on a 1987 Plymouth be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Plymouth deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more careful one before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and changes in how well the tire holds pressure. When a product carries a tubeless marking, valve-stem condition and wheel sealing still matter just as much as the tire itself on an older vehicle.
Frequent inspection matters because collector cars often sit longer than modern daily drivers, and long rest periods can hide age-related issues until the car is back at speed. A spare tire should be checked as well, since it is often older than the road tires and may be the one you depend on farthest from home.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1987 Plymouth Caravelle?
A 1987 Plymouth Caravelle falls in an era when radial construction was standard passenger-car practice, and the Caravelle application here uses 185/70R14. That points owners toward a 14-inch radial rather than an earlier bias-ply style. Sidewall appearance could vary by trim, market, or owner preference over the years, so the exact visual finish on an individual car should be checked against factory literature or a Plymouth marque source.
For a faithful look, many restorers start with the original size first, then match the sidewall style to the character of the car. A more formal sedan often looks right with a whitewall, while a more understated or European-flavored presentation may point toward blackwall. Club judging standards can differ, so event-specific authenticity questions are best settled before mounting a full set.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1987 Plymouth?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1987 Plymouth, especially if the event emphasizes originality. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the size, wheel diameter, construction type, and sidewall style suit the car's year and model. On a late-1980s Plymouth, the biggest visual errors are usually the wrong wheel diameter, an obviously mismatched profile, or a sidewall treatment that looks out of step with the car's intended character.
Even outside formal judging, correct fitment helps the car look balanced and period-appropriate. A compact hatchback, a K-car sedan, and a full-size Gran Fury project different visual expectations, so choosing a tire that matches the model's stance is just as important as getting the measurements right. If a show has strict standards, check with the hosting club before finalizing your tire choice.
What is the difference between Maxxis and BFGoodrich for a 1987 Plymouth in 175/80R13?
In 175/80R13 for a 1987 Plymouth, Maxxis and BFGoodrich share the same basic load figure of 1179 pounds at 35 psi and the same 4.50-6.00-inch rim-width range. The visible difference is sidewall style: Maxxis comes as a narrow whitewall, while BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial uses a wider whitewall treatment. Weight also differs, with the BFGoodrich example coming in lighter than the Maxxis version.
That makes this comparison mainly a matter of appearance and presentation rather than a dramatic change in fitment envelope. Owners restoring a Reliant to a cleaner, more conservative late-1980s look may prefer the narrower whitewall, while a broader white stripe can give the car a fuller traditional stance. Either way, keeping the 175/80R13 size itself is the first step toward authenticity.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1987 Plymouth tires safe for highway driving?
Many 1987 Plymouth tire options are well within normal highway capability when they are in good condition and properly matched to the car. Speed-rated examples include T at 118 mph in 155/80R13, H at 130 mph in 175/70R13, 185/70R13, and 185/70R14, and V at 149 mph in 185/70R13, 185/70R14, and 185/60R14. Those figures exceed ordinary U.S. highway speeds by a wide margin.
Real-world road safety in a 1987 Plymouth still depends on the whole car, not just the tire. Brake condition, alignment, suspension wear, steering play, and the age of the tire itself are often more important than the speed symbol during normal touring. If the tires are old, cracked, or losing pressure, their original speed capability no longer matters.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1987 Plymouth tires?
Pressure should follow the specific tire and the vehicle's own factory guidance rather than a one-number rule for every 1987 Plymouth. Several sizes here carry load figures at 35 psi, including 155/80R13 at 959 pounds, 165/80R13 at 1069 pounds, 175/80R13 at 1179 pounds, 185/70R13 at 1135 pounds, 185/70R14 at 1201 pounds on one product, and 205/75R15 at 1598 pounds on several products. Those are rated-capacity figures, not universal car settings.
Start with the pressure recommendation for your exact model and original tire size, then make sure the chosen tire's own limits are respected. A compact Colt, a midsize Reliant, and a full-size Gran Fury place very different loads on their tires, so pressure should never be transferred casually from one Plymouth model or one tire size to another.
What should I check before taking a 1987 Plymouth on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1987 Plymouth, inspect each tire for cracking, punctures, bulges, tread wear, and pressure loss, and make sure the spare is usable. Confirm that the tire size on the car matches the wheel diameter and intended application, especially on Colt, Reliant, and Sundance models where multiple sizes can apply. Valve stems and wheel condition deserve attention as well, particularly on older steel wheels.
A good tire check should be part of a broader pre-trip routine that includes brakes, cooling system, belts, hoses, lighting, and fluid levels. Plymouths from this period can still be very enjoyable road cars, but longer trips expose small deferred-maintenance issues quickly, so a thorough inspection before departure is usually more valuable than carrying extra speed capability you never plan to use.
