Open for discussion....

 

of course it does, but it has many effects on an engine. Ability to rev and how high, reciprocating weight effects torque and HP curves, stress on the engine. original rods are made for long life, and cost effectiveness. performance rods go where HD can't. custom cut, light weight, better material all equals not only a better rod but more power and quicker ramp up. Teflon

 

I dont agree that it increases Hp. Maybe on a small %. The flywheel just stores energy and making those components lighter just moves where it ramp up's.

 

Short answer, yes, period.

 

This is not opinion its according to the laws of physics

Short answer, yes it will effect the "available power".

Long answer below. Good reading.

http://www.w8ji.com/rotating_mass_acceleration.htm

 

Of course it does. TEFLON hit the nail on the head.
Piston and rod weight stop and start on every cycle, how fast (max. RPM) is dependant on MASS, it is that simple! More mass limits RPM.

 

Didn't read Frankenbagger's link but logic dictates that heavier rods and pistons take longer to accelerate and decelerate from the top and bottom of the stroke which directly affects how fast a motor can pick up rpm's.
So yes, the weight of the rods and pistons can and will affect power.

 

Yes. For the reasons stated above.

 

Yes it effects the available power and where it comes in but does it increase power?

"A rotating mass does not really consume energy. The mass just stores energy and eventually returns energy to the system or converts it to some other form of energy. The energy storage can be helpful, not do anything at all, or be harmful. With a little time and thought, we can understand how changes in rotating mass will affect available horsepower in a vehicle. Available horsepower in turn affects acceleration in a very predictable manner.

Four things determine the effect of rotating mass on our vehicles:

How quickly and often a rotating mass speeds up or slow down
How heavy the rotating mass is
The rotating weight's distance outwards from the centerline
How fast the weight spins"

 

The crankshaft which as counter weights, the weight of the rods and the counter balance shaft and all other reciprocating parts are all carefully matched by computer analysis and the engine designer to produce the least vibration. The more out of balance you make your engine the lower the max. RPM. Since HP = (torque * RPM)/5250 a lowering of max. RPM will reduce horsepower.