Tire RPO codes
Tire RPO codes are RPO codes used to identify factory tire sizes, tire types, and related tire equipment on the Pontiac Fiero.
For a complete searchable list of Fiero RPO and option codes, see:
Overview
Tire RPO codes help identify the tires originally assigned to a Fiero when it was built.
These codes may appear on the Service parts identification label along with engine, transmission, paint, trim, wheel, suspension, audio, and other factory build codes.
The tire RPO code identifies original factory tire equipment. It does not necessarily prove which tires are currently installed, because tires are wear items and are normally replaced many times during the life of the car.
Related topics:
Tire codes
| Code | Description | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| QAB | P195/70R14 blackwall steel-belted tires | Tires | Listed for 1988 in some references |
| QDX | P195/70R14 blackwall steel-belted tires | Tires | Listed for 1985-1987 in some references |
| QDY | P195/70R14 white-letter steel-belted tires | Tires | Listed for 1985-1987 in some references |
| QFE | P185/75R14 blackwall steel-belted tires | Tires | Listed for 1986-1988 in some references |
| QFG | P185/75R14 white-letter steel-belted tires | Tires | Listed for 1986-1987 in some references |
| QHS | P185/80R13 blackwall steel-belted tires | Tires | Listed for 1984-1985 in some references |
| QHU | P185/80R13 white-letter steel-belted tires | Tires | Listed for 1984-1985 in some references |
| QPU | P215/60R14 blackwall steel-belted tires | Tires | Listed for 1984-1987 in some references |
| QPV | P215/60R14 white-letter steel-belted tires | Tires | Listed for 1984-1985 in some references |
| QPV | P215/60R15 blackwall steel-belted tires, front and rear | Tires | Listed for 1986-1987 in some references; verify application |
| QRF | P185/70R14 blackwall tires | Tires | Verify exact application |
| QZN | P185/80R13 blackwall tires | Tires | Verify exact application |
| QZT | P205/60R15 front and P215/60R15 rear blackwall steel-belted tires | Tires | Used for staggered 15-inch applications in some references |
| XEM | Goodyear Eagle GT+4 P205/60R15 blackwall steel-belted tire, front | Tires | Verify complete tire-package relationship |
| YLM | P215/60R15 blackwall steel-belted front and rear tires | Tires | Verify exact application |
| YLM | P205/60R15 front and P215/60R15 rear blackwall steel-belted tires | Tires | Verify exact application |
Tire code versus wheel code
Tire codes and wheel codes are related, but they are not the same thing.
A tire code identifies the original tire size, style, or tire package.
A wheel code identifies the original wheel, wheel cover, trim ring, wheel lock kit, or wheel-related equipment.
For wheel codes, see:
Tire sizes
Fiero tire sizes varied by model year, trim level, wheel equipment, and suspension package.
Common tire-size references include:
| Tire size | General use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P185/80R13 | Early 13-inch applications | Verify by model year and wheel code |
| P185/75R14 | 14-inch applications | Verify by model year and wheel code |
| P195/70R14 | 14-inch applications | Verify by model year and wheel code |
| P215/60R14 | 14-inch performance-style applications | Verify by model year and wheel code |
| P205/60R15 | 15-inch front tire in staggered applications | Verify by model year and wheel code |
| P215/60R15 | 15-inch rear tire in staggered applications, or front/rear in some references | Verify by model year and wheel code |
Always verify the correct tire size for the specific car, wheel, suspension setup, and current configuration.
Blackwall and white-letter tires
Some tire RPO codes distinguish between blackwall tires and white-letter tires.
A blackwall tire has plain black sidewalls.
A white-letter tire has raised or outlined white lettering on the sidewall.
The tire code can help determine which style was originally assigned to the car, but the current tires may have been replaced with a different style.
Staggered tire applications
Some Fiero applications used different front and rear tire sizes.
For example, some 15-inch wheel and tire packages are listed with P205/60R15 front tires and P215/60R15 rear tires.
When documenting or ordering tires for a staggered setup, verify:
- Front tire size
- Rear tire size
- Wheel width
- Wheel offset
- Suspension year
- Brake clearance
- Current installed wheels
Do not assume the front and rear tires are the same size on every Fiero with 15-inch wheels.
Related topics:
Tire code versus current tires
The tire RPO code identifies the tire equipment originally assigned to the car.
It does not prove that the current tires match the original size, brand, speed rating, sidewall style, or construction.
Tires are commonly changed because of:
- Normal wear
- Tire availability
- Wheel changes
- Appearance preferences
- Suspension changes
- Brake upgrades
- Aftermarket wheels
- Performance upgrades
- Incorrect previous replacement
- Kit-car or rebody conversions
When documenting a car, compare the Service Parts Identification label with the wheels and tires actually installed.
Model-year differences
Tire availability changed during Fiero production.
Some tire codes are associated with specific model years, wheel packages, suspension packages, body styles, or trims.
When interpreting tire RPO codes, verify:
- Model year
- Tire RPO code
- Wheel RPO code
- Wheel size and width
- Suspension package
- Body style and trim level
- Front and rear tire sizes
- Current installed wheels
- Current installed suspension
- Previous repair or modification history
Relationship to suspension
Tire size and suspension package can be related.
A handling-oriented package may appear together with specific tire and wheel codes. However, a tire code does not by itself identify the complete suspension package.
For suspension-related codes, see:
Modern replacement tires
Original Fiero tire sizes may not always be available in the same brand, model, construction, sidewall style, or speed rating as the factory tire.
When choosing modern replacement tires, consider:
- Correct size
- Load rating
- Speed rating
- Wheel width compatibility
- Front/rear size relationship
- Clearance at full steering lock
- Suspension modifications
- Brake upgrades
- Overall tire diameter
- Speedometer effect
- Intended use
For stock restorations, the original RPO code can help identify the factory tire style. For regular driving, modern tire quality and correct fitment may be more important than duplicating the original tire exactly.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes when using tire RPO codes include:
- Assuming the current tires match the original RPO code
- Confusing tire codes with wheel codes
- Assuming every Fiero used the same tire size
- Assuming front and rear tires are always the same size
- Ignoring staggered 15-inch applications
- Ordering tires based only on model year
- Ignoring aftermarket wheels
- Ignoring suspension or brake modifications
- Confusing blackwall and white-letter tire codes
- Assuming an old tire code guarantees modern tire availability
Service notes
When using tire RPO codes:
- Photograph the Service Parts Identification label before it fades further.
- Record the tire code exactly.
- Verify model-year applicability.
- Check the wheel RPO code separately.
- Inspect the actual wheels and tires on the car.
- Verify front and rear tire sizes.
- Check tire clearance after wheel, suspension, or brake changes.
- Use physical inspection when ordering tires for modified cars.
- Do not assume the current tire size is original.
Notes
Tire RPO codes are factory build references. They help identify the original tire equipment assigned to a Fiero, but they do not necessarily describe the tires currently installed.
Because tires are routinely replaced, physical inspection is essential when documenting or servicing a car.