In general, you can use Version 8 to manipulate Version 6 data files, using the V6 compatibility engine as long as needed. However, you will not be able to maximize the potential of Version 8 until ...
For Version 8, four tape engines are supported: V5TAPE (READ-only), V6TAPE, V7TAPE, and V8TAPE. Specifying only TAPE defaults to the current release. Using the LIBNAME and FILENAME Options for Tape ...