If I'm converting my site to UTF-8, will I lose all my data stored in my database, or can I import it into my new database? I have a pretty large customer database, and order history and don't want to lose it.

Also, it sounds like all I need to do is modify the core files as outlined in the PDF, create my new database and install Zen Cart to the new database. Couldn't I then just copy all my old files over the new ones (making sure not to overwrite the core files that i just changed)? Then my site is back to how I had it (templates, plugins, etc...). Then if I could just re-import my old database info, everything would be golden, right? My biggest concern i just not losing my old database info. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.