Purchased a gen 4 5.3 in a box. it is definitely all there (complete) and have no reason to believe that anything was replaced with parts from another engine. My question is the pistons/rods were not labeled as to cylinder number location. Does it matter if what hole the piston goes into as long as the dot and chamfered rod edge are in the correct position and direction. The rings are have not been removed but will be when I open gap for spray or boost.

 

I can’t tell you how many engines I’ve torn down, re-ring and new bearings, clean it all up and never marked any hole for lifters or pistons. They all have ran great. I just finished another one today in fact, for a turbo build.