You guys have been taking so easily about downgrading the version of the database. The data types have been changed.(example LONG, LONGRAW is no more valid on 8x and above)
What makes you sure that 8i database is not using the new data types. If so how are you going to handle those new datatypes. You get "unsupported network data type error" the moment you import.

Keeping in mind that I suggested, Chrissy to get in touch with Oracle and find pitfalls before attempting to do that.