8.5 lbs will be excellent for that plane. Most of the ones I knew about came in at least that and many around 8.75-9 lbs. depending on finishing technique, type of retracts, etc. My first one with Kraft retracts and K&B paint came out nearly 9 lbs. Second one painted w/ K&B primer and dope color was about 8.5 lbs. At any rate, 8.5, especially with a pipe should be great and it'll fly terrific. Lands like a Kaos! Your paint job is looking great. With a clear canopy and two jet pilot figures, the T2-A just begs for a military paint scheme.