Hey Dick, my aluminum "Chevy" block is not made in China, but in Arkansas. Maybe it would be cheaper if it was made there!!! Back to the original question, they have had issues with casting imperfections, all corrected, at least my 157 is smooth as glass. My 150 with crappy looking casting is fine. I wouldn't worry about ones on the cylinder that you describe, should be fine. My 80 is the same way and it's good to go