Simplify the expression:

To simplify the expression \(2 + 8a + 8a - 3a\), we can first combine the like terms (the terms that include \(a\)):

1. Combine \(8a + 8a\): \[ 8a + 8a = 16a \]

2. Now, include the \(-3a\): \[ 16a - 3a = 13a \]

3. Now, putting it all together, we can write the simplified expression: \[ 2 + 13a \]

So, the final simplified expression is: \[ \boxed{2 + 13a} \]