Aight. So I just got this car given to me and it seems to be in fairly good shape for having thiis much mileage on it. No noticable oil leaks or anything, engine is fairly clean, most of the electrical doodads work, beautiful interior. Only problems are there'* a bit of vibration when going straight (I think I need to get it aligned) and tends to idle a little rough after driving it for a bit and the engine gets warmed up. Once it'* warmed up it either idles a little rough, or a lot rough. Pretty intermittent and I usually wind up shifting it into neutral and just revving it a little above 1k during extended stops. I'm thinking I should probably bother to change the spark plugs/wires/etc since I somewhat doubt they've ever been changed.

Anyway, I'm going to do my first oil change on it today. Do you guys have any suggestions for filters/oil? I just got a Purolator PureOne filter for it (I always use these, eh. People swore by them back when I had an Dodge Intrepid) and picked up a 5 liter jug of Penzoil High Mileage 10w30 (it was a couple bucks more than the normal stuff I usually buy.) How much oil should I be dumping into this thing? I'm assuming 5liters is fine. I was a little too cheap to go out and buy a haynes manual for this car yesterday and find out the exact amount.

Thanks

Good Idea. Do the basic tuneup first, Try to stick with OE(AC-Delco) stuff as you won't have any doubts as to whether you choose the right stuff to put in your car. Do the basics(plugs, wires, air filter, gas filter, pcv valve). Change the Oil/Filter. The Purolator Filter and Penzoil 10W-30 is good. I thought a liter was a bit more than a quart. So after you drain the oil and change the oil filter, I would add only 4 liters back in, start the engine(check for leaks) and then add enough oil to bring it up to the "Full" mark on the dip stick. An alignment at this time is also a good idea. Have them balance your tires too. Make sure you have the correct tire pressure in all(including your spare) tires. You also should check the condition of your the Serpentine Belt(the belt that drives the alternator, etc). Also, you may want to change the O2 Sensor if that has not been changed in quite awhile and possibly change the transmission oil and the coolant in your radiator later on too. Good Luck and Welcome to the Club.

Id agree on the 02 sensor, might also help you get better mileage.
As far as oil and filters, ive always used AC Delco Filters and Quaker State Oil, but Penzoil seems to have a very good reputation as well.
217,000 miles ! wow thats excellent to see another 3.8 up that high and still goin!
Them 3.8'* for for ever! TRUST ME i had one with 404,000 miles original in my '86 Park Ave.
OH and Welcome to the site!