As far as flooding goes there's a major "no no" with the 8. Do not start it up and then shut it off. The engine has to get up to normal operating temperature before you shut it off or the plugs get soaked in petrol and it won't start. I had a 8 for 4 years and never had any issues with it.
Also, fuel mileage is poor. The very best I ever got on the highway was 19 mpg. I usually got around 13 in town.