bunch of questions regarding suspension, brakes, etc

[Cerberus]

Recently I got 17 inch rims for my 2000 grand am SE2 with the 3400 engine. Now that my car isn't 100% stock, I suddenly feel I must further distinguish it from all the other grand ams that I see.

I'd like to lower the suspension, from the forums it sounds like Eibach springs would be a good idea. With the body being lowered about an Inch, would that mean I would have to get new struts as well? If new struts wouldn't be mandatory, what might I get out of new struts if I did get them?

Regretfully the SE has drums in the back, I found a FAQ on this forum that listed the necessary OEM parts to get stock disks. Would a non-OEM conversion give me much better breaking?

[flyinfreak]

struts aren't manditory, but you will love the ride a lot better with new/better ones. You will kick yourself in the ass if you don't get them but, it's up to you. and upgrade from oem will not give you much better braking because back brakes don't do much of the breaking. I beleive only like 30%??? If i were you i'd get get the conversion done but use a slotted roter and composite brake pads IMO.

[Cerberus]

With 17 inch rims how much at risk would I be for rubbing on the hub if I lowered the car by an inch with the Eibachs and the proper suspension.

[RedHot97GAGT]

I wouldn't worry about it. I lowered mine with intrax which are supposed to be 1.7" and I have no problems with my 17" wheels. The thing is that if you match the rims and wheels correctly the outside diameter remains the same as stock.

[LordNor]

I just had my 99 lowered with the eibachs (and I got kyb GR-2 struts) and it works great. I got 17"s as well.

The ride since I had the work done is simply awesome. If I could only get the pull to the left problem figured out, I'd be great!

(Sorry the pic is a little large, don't really have time to resize!)
http://www.thecornwellfamily.com/pics/after/After-%20014.jpg