The Spicer Report Review

The Spicer Report was a mysterious document with colorful graphs and blurry test methods that attempted to compare types of automotive gas and diesel air filters.  Exactly how the tests were done and who performed them is a little sketchy as the referenced test lab went out of business soon after the tests were performed. The person that performed the tests also disappeared like bigfoot into a thicket before they could comment on the test's accuracy or validity although the name appears to be that of a real person.  As the story is told a non-technical person was curious in how different filter brands compared so they found a lab to help them.  Over the following years questions have been raised if the tests were really performed, if standardized laboratory testing procedures were used, why certain assumptions were made and if the testing had an agenda. More questions came out of the tests than answers. The colorful charts gave a perception that the tests were done by a measurement professional when they were not.

In the past some have blindly referenced parts of the Spicer Report to support their own beliefs or agenda without an understanding of the test methodology or if the tests relate to real world conditions. The are new Spicer Reports rumered to be available on fuel additives. It is not known if these tests are real and if they are valid or meaningful. I doubt they will be performed by a chemist. Soon this site will dissect many of the well known flaws and incorrect assumptions from the Spicer Report. We will also soon expand into our passion which is automotive folklore.  The Spicer Report referenced by many as evidence of something scientific shows that reports published on common forums must be taken with some skepticism even though they make for spirited debate.

Links that may be of interest:
Automotive Folklore
Diesel Exhaust Filter Testing
Generic Drug Maker Fakes Test Results
Fuel Additives Don't Do Much