Respect the -8 IMHO and you will absolutely fall in love.
Alan,
I purchased my -8 with about 200 hours under my belt too and NO tailwheel time/endorsement. I could't even fly in home (thanks to Dan H).
It sat in my hangar 60 days while I got my tail wheel endorsement from a buddy of mine in this -6 and Widget in his -8.
IMHO, the -6 was harder to wheel land than ever my -8 because of the springy gear. I've never had any problem with full stall's either like some have indicated here, although I much more prefer wheel landing the -8 because I like to hear the greasing of my tires
You do wear the -8, and that's something that once you get used to, nothing beats it! It's the closest think I have found to strapping wings on my hips and a rocket to my ***, well you get the point.
I would not worry about the 180 HP or the CS prop either, the -8 is well suited with this set up.
I would say as with any tailwheel, keep your feet awake. You will learn what the rudder is all about. I almost always land with a side slip and my home airport always has a cross wind of 45 to 90 degrees, but once you learn directional control, the -8 has no problem.
I say go for it.... there is risk in anything, but as long as you respect the airplane and your limitations, there is very little substitute for the feeling of a tandem tail dragger