Shock Replacement

I am looking to replace the shocks in my 91 3.1 four door lumina. I was wondering about the scope of this project. What parts are needed (obviously the shocks, but i looked and there were adapter kits sold for the lumina too, would i need them?) Could this be a job i could do by myself, would i need any special tools, or would I be best off taking it to a shop to do this. If I took it to a shop, how much money should I expect to pay for the repair.

Also, when replacing these shocks, could I opt for more performance oreinted ones, like off of the z-34?

Any answers to my numerous questions would be greatly appreciated.

There is no difference in the struts for the standard or Z-34 models. The fronts are cartridges, which if you have the special tool (available at Auto-Zone in their free tool loan program), are very simple to do. The rears are easy to do also, but will require an alignment after you are done.