Simplify the expression:

To simplify the expression \( 7v + 8 - 5 - 6v + 8v - 2 \), we can follow these steps:

1. Combine like terms for the variable \( v \):

   • The terms with \( v \) are: \( 7v - 6v + 8v \)
   • Combining these: \[ 7v - 6v + 8v = (7 - 6 + 8)v = 9v \]

2. Now, combine the constant terms:

   • The constant terms are: \( 8 - 5 - 2 \)
   • Combining these: \[ 8 - 5 - 2 = 1 \]

3. Now combine the simplified \( v \) terms and the constants: \[ 9v + 1 \]

Thus, the simplified expression is \( \boxed{9v + 1} \).