i have an 88 iroc. it needs front shocks and i was going to replace them and the springs. but i don't know what kind to get. i want to make it handle equally or better than stock, but don't want to lower the car at all. its already too low and i don't want any lowering whatsoever. so should i just get stock shocks and springs from the dealer? is there an aftermarket replacement that is equal to the stock ones? all the parts stores list the exact same shocks and springs for IROCs and 4 cylinder cars, so i want to be sure i get the right thing.

Never, Never buy parts from the Dealers unless they are the last place on this planet. With that said. You need front struts and not shocks (they are for the rear). Run a search on the Internet....Bilstien, Tockia, KYB, Koni. Stay away from the likes of Monroe, Gabriel and Muffler shop struts.
Springs if you realy need them Moog. Do o seach on this site for what others are using.

Just replaced mine with KYB GR-2 struts (front) & Gas auto adjust shocks (rear) from Summit Racing (as a example of a search).

how did that combination work for you? hows it handle and was it lower at all?

howd you like the gas adjust shocks? i decided to go with the GR2's since i got them at half off. i was wondering if i missed out.

I don't know if you missed or not. My original plan was to go with the GR-2's all around also, but decided to go with the Auto adjust in the rear as a upgrade.