dude, if your 88 is running the original piston, you will notice a huge difference with a new top end.
my 94, when i changed out the piston and rings with wiseco, the difference was huge! it went from gassing it and popping the clutch to take off, to gas it and pop the clutch and you are on your ass! top ends are very simple if you have your manual. do blasters have powervalves? if not, then its even simpler. i can knock it out on a regular dirtbike in about 2 hours.
dont forget to hone though
also, old cast iron pistons are ticking time bombs, that piston can shatter on you and you are screwed.
best get a wiseco, they are forged.