If it's anything like the 2 Civics I had ('89 & '90), if he keeps the timing belt changed & keeps decent antifreeze in it, the engine will EASILY outlast the body, no matter what he uses for oil. Any major label 5W30, for 5000 miles, is more than enough, whether it's a syn blend (as many of the so-called conventionals, like VWB, are now), or good old ST dino juice.