your car has struts. When people say "shocks" in reference to a civic, they really mean struts.

If youre seriously worried about quality, I would reconsider your choice of coilovers. If you just want the look, then you should be alright.

How far you want to be lowered can't really be decided on teh intraweb. Just set it where you want it, drive around, raise/lower as needed.