when I change my oil I always pour in 7 quarts and then turn the engine over a few times without cranking it to get the oil circulated, then let it settle and then check it, it's always about 1 quart to low for obvious reasons, however it's much easier to add a little oil than take out. The 8 quart instead of 8 1/2 should be the ticket because it should put the oil level dead center of the add-full marks on the dipstick. too much oil can be a problem