bigger gauge doesn't hurt JD, but neatness and safety count - a bundle of #8 wires is gonna be real hard to push thru the holes that were made for #18's, and get cut by the metal edges .... and no matter how marked, will be impossible to trace from one side to the other wedged in so they don't move .... there's orignal style harness available for under $200
we're giving him a break by passing on experienced advice

Bill