What size are the rear tires on a 1987 Corvette?
The rear tires on a 1987 Corvette are typically 275/40VR16. This matches the classic C4 configuration for that year, which used a wider rear tire on 16-inch wheels to balance performance and handling.
The 1987 Corvette belongs to the early years of the C4 generation, which ran from 1984 to 1996. While tire sizes could vary with options and wheel availability, the standard setup for most cars from that year used a 16-inch rear wheel paired with a 275/40VR16 rear tire and a 245/50VR16 front tire. This article outlines the stock size and practical notes for owners and restorers.
Factory tire sizes for the 1987 Corvette
Below is the typical OEM sizing for the C4's stock wheel setup in 1987. The sizes refer to tire width in millimeters and the wheel diameter in inches, along with the aspect ratio and speed rating where applicable.
- Rear tires: 275/40VR16
- Front tires (for context): 245/50VR16
Note: Some wheel/tire packages used ZR or VR ratings depending on the tire model and availability at the time. Always check the vehicle’s door jamb label or owner’s manual for the exact specification on your specific car, especially if it has seen tire upgrades or wheel changes.
What to consider when replacing rear tires
When replacing tires on a 1987 Corvette, you should consider compatibility with the vehicle’s suspension, alignment, and wheel width. The primary concern is preserving correct overall diameter and load capacity to maintain speedometer accuracy and performance handling.
- Maintain the OEM overall diameter by matching the 275/40VR16 size when possible to keep the speedometer and gearing accurate.
- Choose tires with appropriate load rating (usually 94V or higher for performance use), and consider summer performance tires for best handling.
- If you upgrade wheels to a different size, you may need to adjust tire size to maintain similar rolling diameter (for example, larger wheels may require a lower profile to preserve diameter).
In summary, sticking to 275/40VR16 rear tires aligns with the 1987 Corvette's factory intent, while any deviations should be evaluated for clearance, speedometer accuracy, and suspension geometry.
Summary
The rear tires on a 1987 Corvette are typically 275/40VR16. For restorations or replacements, verify the exact spec on your car, as the C4 lineup varied with options. Maintaining the correct rear tire size helps preserve handling and odometer accuracy.
