You shouldn't need to switch carbs. As far as I know, the reason for the different part number is because the 288s used a different throttle linkage setup (plastic lever instead of a metal link rod like the 181) so as long as you're still using a 181 case and handle you should be OK. If you're going to move up to a high-top cover and HD filter, you'll need a different intake manifold as well. Either way do yourself a favor and block the governor circuit (if applicable, all of mine have them) in the carb before trying to tune it, especially if you modify the cylinder or muffler
I'm assuming one is advertising max free RPM and the other the cutting RPM under load? That would sound more in the right neighborhood anyway. I know the cutting RPM of my 181SE is significantly higher than that!
Brad, thanks for your input. I would like to stay with the flat top cover if possible, as I don't like the humpback look of the HD filter version too much.
Will look for the governor setup. I haven't digged into the project yet.
Acres specified 9300 rpm under load for the 288xp, so I suppose the values mentioned for the 181 are under load as well (specified as max., but could be a mistake)