Hi, Y'all--I'm new here, just got my first Brick about a month ago. It's really nice, and I'm proud to be driving something I am told has the same 5-cylinder engine as can be found in a Porsche. I just had a couple of questions.

First off, I've heard of oil getting sludgy but when I pull the dipstick out, it's covered with white stuff that honestly resembles congealed fat in a deep-fat-fryer. The lube sticker tells me it's not due for a change for another 1000 miles but that oil doesn't look normal. Could there be water in it, or worse, antifreeze? And my mechanic recommends going to a synthetic-blend motor oil, how is that Valvoline Max Life stuff for a Volvo?

Also the driver's door power window is sloooooooow going up, and often I have to grab the glass and pull up to keep it from sticking. What, if anything, needs to be lubed or adjusted?

Also, any general advice for a new Brick owner? Should I get the Haynes or the Chilton's manual? I have a couple years of Auto Tech under my belt, and a handful of tools in the garage. Anything they're testy about, or anything that MUST be done or is NEVER done? (I already know it's an interference engine and have had the timing belt replaced.)

Thanks everyone!

Whammytap