By 1987, Porsche offered one of the broadest performance lineups in its history, spanning the rear-engined 911, the transaxle 924 and 944, and the V8-powered 928. That range meant tire choice was tied not just to brand preference, but to the way each model balanced wheel diameter, section width, and overall stance. Across 1987 Porsche models, five radial sizes appear, and they are not shared universally across the full lineup, so the key decision is first identifying your model and then confirming whether it uses a 15-inch or 16-inch fitment. Once that is settled, you can narrow the choice to the size and sidewall style that best suits your car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1987 Porsche
Five tire sizes are used across 1987 Porsche vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the entire lineup. Because these sizes span both 15-inch and 16-inch fitments, the real first step is confirming the correct rim diameter for your specific Porsche before comparing tread style or brand. Understanding that distinction up front makes it much easier to match the right tire to the right car.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): 911, 924|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15-in rim
195/65R15 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, and a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1987 Porsche 911 and 924, and no product range is shown here to compare brands, sidewall treatments, or speed-rating differences within the size. For a buyer, the main takeaway is that this is a model-specific fitment rather than a year-wide Porsche size, so it should be matched to the exact car before moving on to product selection.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): 911, 924, 944|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/55R16 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall form, with tubeless examples present and speed ratings that vary by product, including W at 168 mph and Y at 186+ mph. This size fits several 1987 Porsche models rather than the full range, and it suits owners who want a modern radial performance tire in a shared 16-inch fitment used by the 911, 924, and 944.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): 911, 944|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
215/60R15 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 15-inch rim diameter. It is available from American Classic, BFGoodrich, and Dunlop with blackwall, RWL, redline, and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and speed ratings vary by product with S at 112 mph and V at 149 mph. This size is specific to the 1987 Porsche 911 and 944, making it a useful choice when a 15-inch Porsche fitment is desired with anything from a traditional-looking sidewall treatment to a more overt period-performance presentation.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): 911, 928, 944|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
225/50R16 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall form, with tubeless examples present and speed ratings that vary by product, including W at 168 mph and Y at 186+ mph. This is another shared 16-inch Porsche size rather than a universal one, and it is the right direction for buyers with a 911, 928, or 944 that calls for a wider, lower-profile radial fitment.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): 911, 928|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16-in rim
245/45R16 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1987 Porsche 911 and 928, and no product range is shown here to compare brands, sidewall treatments, or speed-rating differences within the size. For buyers, it stands as a model-specific wide 16-inch fitment, so the priority is confirming that your exact Porsche uses this size before comparing tire families.
Four Porsche model lines are covered for 1987, and they do not all use the same tire sizes. That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire here; identifying whether you have a 911, 924, 928, or 944 is the first step, followed by confirming the correct 15-inch or 16-inch fitment. Select your model below to narrow the tire history and available products to the car you actually own.
1987 Porsche 911
The 1987 Porsche 911 sat at the core of the brand's identity, blending classic rear-engine character with the sharper road manners that defined the later air-cooled era. Its tire fitments span both 15-inch and 16-inch wheels, which reflects how broad the 911 range could be in period and why size confirmation matters before choosing a replacement.
The 1987 Porsche 924 carried the front-engine, transaxle layout that gave Porsche's entry-level cars balanced handling and a distinct identity from the 911. Its tire fitments use both 15-inch and 16-inch wheels, so knowing the exact wheel setup on the car is important before moving to a specific size.
The 1987 Porsche 928 was Porsche's grand touring flagship, known for V8 power, long-distance comfort, and a more substantial road presence than the smaller transaxle cars. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels in the sizes covered here, which places the emphasis on choosing the correct width and profile for the car rather than deciding between wheel diameters.
The 1987 Porsche 944 is widely appreciated for its balanced chassis, front-engine transaxle layout, and usable sports-car character. It appears with both 15-inch and 16-inch fitments here, so the right tire choice starts with the wheel diameter on the car and then narrows to the exact size it uses.
Twelve products are available across three tire sizes for 1987 Porsche vehicles. The 205/55R16 has four BFGoodrich and Michelin radial blackwall options, the 215/60R15 has four radial choices from American Classic, BFGoodrich, and Dunlop in blackwall, RWL, redline, and wide whitewall styles, and the 225/50R16 has three BFGoodrich and Michelin radial blackwall options. Confirm your size first, since tube markings and speed ratings can vary between products within the same size.
These FAQs focus on the 1987 Porsche lineup's model-specific size differences, the 15-inch versus 16-inch decision, speed-rated radial choices, sidewall style variety in 215/60R15, and the upkeep concerns that matter for collector-driven Porsches.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1987 Porsche vehicles?
1987 Porsche vehicles use five sizes across four model lines: 195/65R15 for the 911 and 924, 205/55R16 for the 911, 924, and 944, 215/60R15 for the 911 and 944, 225/50R16 for the 911, 928, and 944, and 245/45R16 for the 911 and 928. The 15-inch sizes mount on 15-inch wheels, while the 16-inch sizes mount on 16-inch wheels. Rim-width guidance is available on the product-covered sizes: 205/55R16 generally spans 5.5 to 7.5 inches, 215/60R15 spans 5.5 to 7.5 or 6.0 to 7.5 inches depending on the tire, and 225/50R16 spans 6.0 to 8.0 inches.
That spread means 1987 Porsche fitment is strongly model-dependent. A 924 owner and a 928 owner are not choosing from the same pool, and even the 911 covers several different sizes depending on wheel and application. Start by identifying the model, then confirm whether the car is on 15-inch or 16-inch wheels, and finally compare the exact size stamped on the current tire or called for by the wheel setup on the car.
What does 195/65R15 mean on a 1987 Porsche tire?
On a 1987 Porsche, 195/65R15 is a metric radial size. The 195 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 65 percent of that width, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. Within the 1987 Porsche range, this size appears on the 911 and 924 rather than across every model.
That decoding matters because it tells you both the wheel diameter and the tire's general proportions. A 195/65R15 cannot substitute directly for a 16-inch tire, and it should not be treated as a universal 1987 Porsche size just because it fits more than one model. If your car carries this size, verify the wheel is actually a 15-inch wheel and compare the tire's role against the exact model before selecting a replacement.
Do all 1987 Porsche models use the same tire size?
No, 1987 Porsche models do not all use the same tire size. The 911 appears with five sizes, the 924 with two, the 928 with two, and the 944 with three. Some sizes overlap between models, such as 205/55R16 and 225/50R16, but no single size covers the entire 1987 Porsche range from 924 through 928.
That is why identifying the model is more important here than on a year-make page where every vehicle shares one fitment. A buyer who knows only that the car is a 1987 Porsche still needs to narrow the search to 911, 924, 928, or 944 before choosing a tire. Once the model is confirmed, the wheel diameter and exact size become much easier to sort out correctly.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Porsche tires?
Sidewall style depends heavily on size within the 1987 Porsche range. The 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 offerings are blackwall radials, which aligns with the late-1980s performance-car look most owners expect on a Porsche of this era. The 215/60R15 is much broader stylistically, with blackwall, raised white letter, redline, and wide whitewall choices from different brands.
For most factory-style 1987 Porsche restorations, blackwall is the most natural visual fit because it matches the period performance aesthetic. The more stylized 215/60R15 sidewalls can still appeal to custom or personalized builds, but they change the car's presentation noticeably. If appearance is as important as fitment, choose the size first and then decide whether the sidewall should look restrained and factory-like or intentionally customized.
What brands make tires for 1987 Porsche vehicles?
Brands available across the product-covered 1987 Porsche sizes include BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, and Dunlop. The 205/55R16 comes from BFGoodrich and Michelin, the 215/60R15 comes from American Classic, BFGoodrich, and Dunlop, and the 225/50R16 comes from BFGoodrich and Michelin. All of those offerings are radial tires, but they differ in sidewall treatment, speed rating, and intended presentation.
That mix gives 1987 Porsche owners a choice between modern performance-oriented blackwall tires and, in 215/60R15, more style-driven alternatives that can reshape the car's visual character. Brand choice should come after model and size confirmation, not before. Once you know the exact fitment, compare the available tire families by their speed symbol, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility to find the best match for your Porsche's use.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Michelin options for 1987 Porsche 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 tires?
In 205/55R16, BFGoodrich appears in g-Force variants with 91W and 94W ratings, while Michelin's SX MXX3 N2 carries a 91Y TL marking. In 225/50R16, BFGoodrich g-Force options carry 92W ratings, while Michelin's Pilot Sport carries a 92Y TL marking. All of them are blackwall radials, and the published rim-width ranges line up closely at 5.5 to 7.5 inches for 205/55R16 and 6.0 to 8.0 inches for 225/50R16.
The practical difference is less about fitment than about product character and speed-symbol choice. A W rating carries a 168 mph ceiling, while a Y rating carries a 186+ mph ceiling. For a 1987 Porsche owner, that means the comparison is best made after confirming the exact size, then weighing whether you want a Porsche-specific period performance flavor, a particular brand preference, or the higher speed symbol offered in the Michelin versions.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1987 Porsche tires require?
Rim-width guidance is available for three of the 1987 Porsche sizes with current product coverage. The 205/55R16 range fits 5.5 to 7.5-inch rims, the 215/60R15 range spans 5.5 to 7.5 inches on some tires and 6.0 to 7.5 inches on others, and the 225/50R16 range fits 6.0 to 8.0-inch rims. Those figures apply to the tires in those exact sizes and should not be transferred to the 195/65R15 or 245/45R16 by assumption.
Wheel width matters because the same tire size can behave differently when mounted at the narrow or wide end of its approved range. Before ordering, verify both the wheel diameter and actual wheel width on the car. That step is especially important on 1987 Porsche models that may have changed wheels over time, since aftermarket upgrades and later Porsche wheel swaps are common in this era.
Do 1987 Porsche tires require inner tubes?
Tube status varies by product rather than staying identical across every 1987 Porsche tire. Michelin examples in 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 carry TL markings, which identify tubeless construction. Other products in those same sizes do not all repeat the same marking in the size description, and the 215/60R15 group includes products without a uniform tube designation called out in the size line.
That means tube fitment should be confirmed at the product level and also checked against the wheel itself. A tubeless tire still depends on a wheel that is appropriate for tubeless service, while some older or specialty wheel applications may lead an owner to use tubes even when a tire is radial. On a 1987 Porsche, match the tire marking to the wheel condition and construction rather than assuming one answer covers the whole lineup.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1987 Porsche when the tires are fitted?
A 1987 Porsche should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone sources that accelerate rubber aging. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so it does not sit in one spot for months at a time. Because every fitment here is radial, long static storage is usually less punishing than it would be on bias-ply tires, but flat spotting and sidewall aging can still develop.
If the car will sit for an extended season, many owners either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces sustained load on the tires. The goal is to protect both the rubber and the carcass shape. A Porsche that comes out of storage on aged, underinflated, or ozone-checked tires may look fine at a glance but still drive poorly or unsafely on the road.
How long do tires on a 1987 Porsche typically last?
On a collector-driven 1987 Porsche, tire age usually matters more than tread wear. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are around five to seven years old and to consider replacement as they approach ten years, even if mileage is low. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the quickest way to determine age, and any visible cracking, hardening, vibration, or persistent air loss should move replacement higher on the priority list.
That matters especially on older Porsches because many cars see limited annual mileage and can keep old rubber much longer than a daily driver would. A tire that still has deep tread may no longer behave as it should under braking or cornering simply because the compound has aged. Use age, storage history, and condition together rather than relying on tread depth alone.
How often should tires on a 1987 Porsche be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Porsche should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer trip. Check inflation pressure, tread wear, cuts, punctures, bulges, curb damage, and sidewall cracking, and look for any sign that the tire is losing air between outings. When a product uses tubeless construction, the valve stem and wheel sealing surfaces deserve the same attention as the tread and sidewall.
Frequent inspection is especially worthwhile on a collector Porsche because long gaps between drives can hide developing problems. A car that feels fine around town can expose vibration, heat buildup, or pressure loss much more clearly on an extended highway run. Building a short pre-drive routine around the tires is one of the easiest ways to prevent a small issue from turning into an expensive roadside problem.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1987 Porsche 911?
A 1987 Porsche 911 would have been a radial-tire car from new, and that matches every size used across the 1987 Porsche range here. Depending on the exact 911 wheel package, fitments include 195/65R15, 205/55R16, 215/60R15, 225/50R16, and 245/45R16. Original-equipment brand choice could vary by market and model specification, so the safest authenticity baseline is to match the correct size, radial construction, and an era-appropriate blackwall presentation where applicable.
For a serious restoration, the best next step is to verify the specific wheel and tire package against factory literature, Porsche club resources, or a marque specialist familiar with 1987 911 configurations. That extra confirmation matters because the 911 range was broad and wheel changes are common over time. Getting the construction and size right is the foundation; refining the exact period look comes after that.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1987 Porsche?
Correct tire fitment matters on a shown 1987 Porsche because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction, sidewall appearance, and overall proportion. Since 1987 Porsche applications here are all radial, using the wrong wheel diameter or an obviously mismatched size is more likely to stand out than the basic radial-versus-bias question that matters on much earlier cars. Sidewall style also affects authenticity, especially where blackwall better matches late-1980s Porsche presentation than a redline, raised white letter, or wide whitewall treatment.
That does not mean every event judges tires to the same standard, but fitment still shapes how correct the car looks. A tasteful driver can wear a different sidewall treatment than a concours-focused restoration, yet the closer the tire is to the car's proper size and period appearance, the stronger the overall presentation becomes. Event rules and marque-club guidance are the best way to settle class-specific expectations.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Radial T/A and Dunlop Sport Classic in 215/60R15 for a 1987 Porsche?
For a 1987 Porsche in 215/60R15, the BFGoodrich Radial T/A carries an RWL sidewall, a 93S speed rating, a 1,411-pound load rating at 35 psi, and a 6.0 to 7.5-inch rim-width range. The Dunlop Sport Classic uses a blackwall presentation, carries a 94V speed rating, and a 1,477-pound load figure, with a 15-inch rim diameter confirmed. Both are radial tires in the same size, but they present very different visual and rating profiles.
That makes the choice partly aesthetic and partly functional. The BFGoodrich leans into a more overt period-performance look with raised white letters, while the Dunlop keeps a subtler blackwall appearance and carries the higher speed symbol. On a 1987 Porsche, either can fit the same nominal size, but the right answer depends on whether the goal is a specific late-period visual style or a different set of published tire ratings.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1987 Porsche tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, the radial tires available for 1987 Porsche fitments can be appropriate for highway driving when the tire is the correct size, in sound condition, and inflated properly. Speed symbols on the product-covered sizes include S at 112 mph, V at 149 mph, W at 168 mph, and Y at 186+ mph, depending on the exact tire. Those ratings are well above normal highway use, although a 1987 Porsche's braking system, suspension condition, alignment, and age-related mechanical condition remain just as important as the tire itself.
The practical point is that highway safety is not just about choosing the highest speed symbol available. A correctly sized, healthy tire that matches the wheel and vehicle is far more important than headline capability the car will never use on public roads. Before any sustained highway trip, inspect the tires carefully and treat the car as an older performance machine that deserves a full mechanical once-over, not just a tire check.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1987 Porsche tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1987 Porsche should follow the vehicle's factory recommendation first, with the tire's own rated pressure understood as a load-carrying reference rather than a one-size-fits-all setting. Among the product-covered sizes, 215/60R15 examples show 1,411 pounds at 35 psi and 1,477 pounds on one Dunlop example, while 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 BFGoodrich examples show load figures at 50 to 51 psi depending on the tire. Those numbers should stay tied to their exact size and tire model.
A common mistake is to inflate every tire to the maximum pressure printed on the sidewall, which can compromise ride and contact patch on a lightweight sports car. The better approach is to confirm the Porsche recommendation for the model and axle position, then make sure the selected tire can support the car within its published limits. Front and rear pressures may differ, especially on a performance-oriented Porsche.
What should I check before taking a 1987 Porsche on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1987 Porsche, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is present and usable if the car carries one. Confirm that the valve stems are sound, that the wheels show no obvious damage, and that the tires are not aged out even if tread depth still looks good. Since these cars are often driven intermittently, old fuel, weak batteries, and stale brake hydraulics can matter as much as the tires.
That pre-drive routine should extend beyond the tires to fluids, belts, brakes, and suspension, but tire condition is still the first line of contact with the road. A well-maintained 1987 Porsche can be an excellent touring car, yet an overlooked sidewall crack or pressure issue can spoil the trip quickly. Give the car a full walkaround and short test drive before committing to distance.
