i use magnets during my builds too catch unwanted metals in the block. i forgot to remove them. i usually put 1 or 2 on the crank shaft, 2 in the bottom of the block near the sump since the lt230s is a wetsump oiling system, and a few here and there just to be safe. well when i closed the engine halves together i forgot to take them off the crank, and i apparently had them in the right spot, when the piston was at BDC the magnets on the crank where at their peak and clipped the piston skirt.

you see the piston skirt really wasnt hitting the crank, it was hitting 2 of my magnets.

 

basically, my aftermarket rod is thicker on the bottom than an OEM rod, so there is no room for the thrust washers. and the bearing is made with the spacers already on it to allow more oil to get to the rod pin and bearings.