So to update this is how I did it which worked out great.
I installed in a sub folder a Joomla 3. (same version). I left it at basic install. Added the SP Page Builder and all the components and themes that matched. Then in the tables dropped the articles and categories and imported the existing site articles and categories, as well as the user database and had to re-add some modules to match as well. Copied over the images folder (since I run my own serer that was easy with command line). Now I did have to go in and change a few module ID's etc... to match because they had to match in artiles (ie banners and ad components).
Then did the Joomla 4 upgrade (not a single conflict or warning for incompatible components). This was a fresh clean install and then upgrade.
Then went in and finished adding the components I wanted and needed.
This ended up being a little bit more work that I was hoping for but I am happy with it as now I do not havve any conflicts, messy code from things that are no longer used etc...
My older site has been running for 5 years, so almost 1800 articles with images