Wheels-Tires "Safest" upgrade from 16in. rims

Hello all, I have a 2002 V6 Mustang (123k Miles) All stock. Wheel size (215 55R 16)
I want to "safely" upgrade the rim size without putting extra strain on the motor, brakes, transmission, suspension.
I thoroughly read the guide by "American Muscle" and I concluded that an upgrade to 18 inch rims is the best bet.

Therefore my move is to buy some 18's and replace my airbox with "BBK Cold Air Intake" (For the extra 15hp).

Do you guys recommend this setup? or how can I make it better?

It's a "weekend car" and I feel that 19's are too much.
[My overall goal is to make the car look nicer. (GT back bumper, mach 1 chin, dual exhaust kit, etc.)]
 
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I have 18x9 wheels on my GT...255/40 frt and 275/40 rear tires. The fronts rub a little when the wheel is put to lock in a parking lot...no other issues. Stock springs. The rear tires are 3.9% taller than stock, so the speedometer reads that much slow...factor that for whatever tires you choose.

Your V6 appears to have the same air box as my GT...save your money on the CAI. I increased the size of the air intake opening of the stock air box by 3-4 times in the following manner:
--mark the rubber air snorkel/silencer at the place where it goes thru the fender well. Pull the air box from the car. Mark the rubber snorkel again towards the open end 3/4-1" from your first mark...this is where you cut the rubber snorkel in order for it to still stick into the fenderwell, but with a significantly larger opening. Seat of the pants suggests it works as well as the aftermarket CAI I took off, sounds as good, and best of all for you (in CA) it looks completely stock.