This standard is intended to provide a method to obtain repeatable measurements that accurately reflect true engine performance in customer service. Whenever there is an opportunity for interpretation of the standard, a good faith effort shall be made to obtain the engine's typical in-service performance and avoid finding the best possible performance under the best possible conditions. Intentional biasing of engine component or assembly tolerance to optimize performance for this test is prohibited.

This SAE Standard has been adopted by SAE to specify: a. A basis for net engine power rating as installed in the final application; b. Reference inlet air and fuel supply test conditions; c. A method for correcting observed power to reference conditions; d. A method for determining net full load engine power with a dynamometer; and e. A procedure to ensure that engine controls are operating in a manner consistent with customer operation.