i feel any loss of weight on the rotating assembly will be that much less load on the engine and should increase power and less fuel needed to maintain a certain rpm. i have polished all number of rods. if max reduction on metel is taken from both small and big ends and side beams are done the same, the 318 rods can be taken to about 650 grams. it takes me 30-45 min. to do each rod. with the pistons and heads (magumns)i will be using, i will be at 9.9 c/r. kenny