I really didn't do anything except research....I have 18X8 on the front with a 4.74" BS, and a 235/40 and the rear is a 18X9 with a 255/45 with 5.5" BS. They fit fine with no rubbing whatsoever. It is possible to fit a 9.5" rim in the rear, with a 275/40 out back, the only issue I have with that is the "gap" between the top of the rear tire, and the quarter due to the lower aspect ratio of the 40 series, If the car is not low enough, it can look like the car is raked "backwards" from the side, but that is purely my opinion. I wanted my tire tucked up in the rear quarter, so I sacrificed some contact patch, in going with the 255, but the 45 series fills that gap nicely....Be sure to measure measure measure to ensure the rim sizes you pick will fit. Remember, once you mount them you bought them for good. The sizes I chose are a pretty safe bet on most first gens. If I did anything different, I may have chosen a 245/40 for the front, but the nice thing in the choice of tires, is that the rear 45 series, and the front 40 series, give you a natural 1-2" forward rake to the car, due to the tire height differences, even while maintaining the same rim diameter.
Here is what I mean:
Here are a couple of shots to show you depth etc....Don't mind the hokey fake disc covers, this was before the Baers were on...
Good Luck, and let me know if you have any questions.
Welcome to the site.
J.T.