The SAE “Turbocharger Gas Stand Test Code” (SAE J1826) has historically defined the best practices for testing of turbochargers on gas stands. First issued in 1989, this specification no longer reflects the state of the art. To obtain consistent thermodynamic mapping of turbochargers, additional practices beyond the scope of J1826 must be followed, ensuring accurate, realistic results while also enabling a fair comparison of product performance between manufacturers of turbochargers. Using empirical gas stand test results as a basis, key issues are identified which may produce misleading findings from turbocharger gas stand performance testing.