Then let the owner do the test/dyno, but using standardized equipment supplied by the magazine. If the owner is scared his engine will blow, even with a simple 0-100, 1/4 mile or dyno, then the question is, how many people want to read about unreliable modifications that could blow their own engine?
Like you said, talk is cheap, but unfortunately, that's what I see being printed in most local mod mags. Yes it's not easy in the local magazine scene, but as consumers, are we supposed to sympathize and donate money for unattractive articles? I believe that's one main argument in this discussion.
Actually, it's not just about car testing too. Magazines can also test manufacturer products to see if their claims hold true, instead of just ranting and raving like some extended advertorial. By using standardized objective/scientific testing I'm sure they'll see a growing fanbase. Perhaps the issue here is that local publications see advertising as the bigger source of income rather than their end customers. Therefore, they may fear that objective testing will anger their advertisers thus losing their biggest revenue.
If need to be so secret for cari makan, then no need to publish their car's ingredients to the whole of M'sia lah. Unless somebody wants to make their car known and accept challenges nationwide, that is :D
Ok time to resume work. Hope local mags will get better from our feedback. Cheers!