Script extensions affecting SERPS?

will changing an extension result in lower rank

[opalplus]

Hi this is my first post here I'm finding a lot of stuff really helpful you guys are doin an awesome job!

I run an database driven opal auction site in PHP and was thinking about changing the .php extension to .opal just as a gimmick.

Im just curious whether this would affect our rank in SERPS if the search engines will see it as an invalid file type or something.

I think it would be pretty cool to have but am not willing to sacrifce traffic for it.

Any insight would be much appreciated

[jdMorgan]

Changing the extensions will make these new URLs as far as search engines are concerned. You'll be throwing away all incoming links and bookmarks, as well as their resultant PageRank/link-pop. I'd leave them alone if I were you, and work toward getting rid of any extensions whatsoever [webmasterworld.com] over the long term. Technology changes, and opal might be obsolete tomorrow -- Then how will you feel about tying your URLs to today's technology?

Jim

[opalplus]

Cool thanks man... just the answer i was after, glad i asked before going ahead with it.
Adrian