Current testing requirements for high temperature alloys are defined in general industry specifications (ASTM, AMS), as well as in user specifications. Many of these requirements were established in the 1960's when production practices were yet to be refined.
cowling - protective covering consisting of a metal part that covers the engine; there are powerful engines under the hoods of new cars; the mechanic removed the cowling in order to repair the plane's engine.
Engine tuning is an adjustment, modification of the internal combustion engine, or modification to its control unit, otherwise known as its ECU (Engine Control Unit). It is adjusted to yield optimal performance, to increase an engine's power output, economy, or durability.