Gouge or transfer?

[two4spooky]

372xp OE, second hand to me. I don't know the saws history. Piston looks pretty good, likely a replacement. MAHLE cylinder with a sketchy looking exhaust port.

I have been working the cylinder with 600 and 1000 grit wet/dry and a ScothBrite. I did get transfer off. Really think this is scratched through the plating. I can feel the lines but just barely. And I mean just barely, real faint

Okay to run this cylinder or do I need an AM replacement? IDK? Hoping someone with experience will chime in. I'm just a hack with tool box

 

[two4spooky]

A little more information. Saw is to play with and maybe ride in the truck. Not a main saw but I do want reliability. I have a DUKE's coated piston already in hand plus CABER rings. Will also replace the soft parts as I rebuild. 2001 model so likely needing new intake, fuel and impulse. Both sides of crank also just out of caution

 

[two4spooky]

Okay, guess I will go with the Mahle/Duke or the Hyway. Leaning Hyway, just looks better. No idea of numbers nor do I have a degree wheel. Just going by looks

 

[two4spooky]

Side note: both new cylinders, the Hyway and the Meteor black box were cast from the same mold. Different finish of plating, YES. Different finished machining, possible. But these two cylinders came from the same mold. I have little doubt. High confidence. I will bet you a chocolate chip cookie on this. More detailed pics if you disagree