From what I can tell the PIC18F45K20 is compatible with the PICKIT2 and MPLAB systems. I see that it comes in a 40 pin PDIP configuration.

Do you think I could unplug my 40 pin PIC16F887 and plug in a new PIC18F45K20 40 pin PDIP, do a bit of rewiring and be ready to go hardwarewize?

KEn