i bought a set of 2004 LQ9 pistons and rods from a member on here. they look good but have the normal carbon build up on them and some on the side as well. what is the best way to clean them? i hit the tops with a razor blade but i got a few small light little scratches on them. nothing deep, nothing that will effect it i dont think

i rememeber seeing on horsepower tv they blasted the LQ4 pistons they had in a sand blaster. i was wondering if i can have this done by the shop that i have assemble the block for me?
i was doing some research and found one guy using McGuiers Aluminum wheel cleaner.

last question is, can i get any year 6.0 crank, and any lq4 or lq9 crank or does it have to be a 2004 crank and LQ9 crank since thats what year the pistons are?

this sounds confusing to me but this is the best i can put it lol,
thanks fellas


EDIT: Last question, where do i buy new pistons rings for it? i was told never to reuse them after the pistons get taken out from the engine.
i found these but not sure if they are a good brand or if they'll work
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-04...Q5fAccessories

 

also i saw this on one of the pistons as i was cleaning it, its a very very small chip on the bottom right of the pistons, do you all think this will be a problem or its fine??? here are some pics