tinkerThere are a number of reasons that I would prefer to decrease the bore.
1. De-stroking would require a billit crank which will not be as strong as the original forged unit.
2. De-stroking will provide less low down torque and require longer rods to achieve 11:1 comp.
3. Having a decreased bore will provide thicker cylinder walls which will provide less opportunity for wall flex due to piston side wall forces at high piston pistons.
This engine is being built for FI running at about 20psi, 9000rpm, methanol and 850 - 900hp. So crank strength is really important.
I'm sorry but you are wrong on all the points you make. As for the crank not being as strong, that is incorrect, a machined billet will always be stronger than a cheap high production forging, what type of forging is it anyway? There is two main types, also you are not taking into consideration the increased overlap of the journals, one of the main weak points of any crank.
Decreased stroke allows for a better rod to stroke ratio.
The better the rod to stroke ratio exerts less force on the crank, rods and skirts of the pistons. It also allows the engine to breath better. This makes more power. The rod to stroke ratio is extremely important when it comes to high revs. The higher the number the better. Most F1 engines would be in the region of 2.3 to 1.
The destroking would most like allow you to use Honda journaled rods, these make more power due to lower friction and lower mass forces which will increase engine life.
If you look a an F1 engine or even a Cart engine, they have big bores and short strokes, have you done a peak piston speed calculation, the speed of the pistons in your motor will be so much higher than in a short stroke high rod to stroke engine. The G forces will be huge in the engine you are planning on building.
Also a smaller bore will have trouble breathing not just because of the low rod to stroke ratio but the smaller bore that will shroud the valves. As to the bore being more stable, not nessecarily so, there is ways to stabilize and infact because the piston is decending less you could probably fill the lower water jacket area with block cement. The less the piston travel will also mean less flexing in the block's walls.
If your engine builder has suggested building such an engine, kick him in the arse and then sack him, he is an idiot. If you dreamed up this idea, you have got out of this just in the nick of time and this post has saved you big bucks. Go to a reputable engine builder and pay him, with your level of knowledge on this design issue you are doomed to failure. I would advise you to read Smokey Yunicks power secrets, he gives good straight forward advise on these areas.
Good luck
Greg