if i wanted to stroke an engine with out changing the bore can i still use the factory pistons?

 

Yes IF....and this is a big IF , You can find Connecting Rods exactly 1/2 of the added stroke shorter.

In other words much easier to buy new Pistons.

 

Why upgrade the crank and keep the weak link, the pistons

 

well someone is selling a set of low mileage(113miles) LQ9 pistons and rings and was thinking of using those with the 4" crank. I'm still new to all of this so just getting as much info as possible before i make a final decision as to which engine to go with.

 

If you're gonna buy a LQ4 just buy one that comes with the bottom end and use that meanwhile, save the money towards a rotating assembly with a 4.000 crank and you're set

 

While this is a pretty ridiculous idea, I doubt it would be possible that the factory slugs would clear the counterweights on the crank - that's if there is even a crank/rod combination to suit the piston.

 

It's a snow ball effect. You need Crank, rods and pistons to do it right. Don't forget new rings and bearings and getting the rotating assembly balanced. Even some of the shops that sell "balanced rotating assemblies" can be off. I would buy in pieces and have it done so you know what you have.

Good Luck

 

Buy a 5.3. Now you own a stroked 4.8. Bam! Lol

 

Nope.

Even if you were to somehow make it fit, the pistons are tapered or have a barrel shape to them and that means there is a maximum OD. With stock pistons, the maximum OD would be pulled out of the bottom of the cylinder and cause the piston to rock excessively and you lose ring seal, get oil into the combustion chambers, and have a smoky POS engine that doesn't make power and wants to detonate like crazy.

The aftermarket piston manufacturers move this maximum OD up higher so that the piston stays stable with 4" or larger stroke cranks.

If you want to use stock pistons, use the stock crank. Otherwise, suck it up and buy the right parts.

 

If plans are to stroke it....just buy one done from someone like Texas speed or Thompson Motorsports or ???....

or find a block and buy a stroker kit.