I use 10/40 fully synthetic named brand all year round some people use other types for winter and summer, and everyone has there own choice but it's around the 5/30 to 10/50 mark I see most people use but I think about the age of cars to :) But as Pete said Tim/Oilman he's on the forums will give you some great advise. Only thing I would add is don't use Semi synthetic and check the oil midway before the next change is due I always find I have to give it a top up of oil before I'm due a change oil and filter again. As for the shocks there is a list of breakers on the forum you could try or ebay for being cheapest places :) But both a bit of a gamble :(