I run Castrol GTX 5W-30 and FRAM Xtra Guard Filters. I also swap out the gasket on the drain plug with every oil change. No leaks.

And yeah, the filter is a bish to get off without spilling old oil. I really screwed up on my first swap, spent about 20 mins wiping up the oil off of the backside of the engine block. So have some shop rags ready.

And for what it's worth, buy a Haynes Manual at least. Please.