FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2008

Centralia, WA -- In the background is the newly completed and now open for business Brazel's RV Performance Park. Now a destination more so than overnight parking, the campground features 50A electric on each of the 19 sites, water and WiFi and a dump station is easily accessible when departing the facility. The 4 acre facility is definitely setup to cater to all your RV performance requirements including extended accommodations on new hard-decked campground sites. Come on over and meet the crew at Brazel's RV Performance Center in Centralia, WA.

Steve Brazel is the owner and chief development officer for the company and is the author of the UltraPower product. Steve offers the following paragraphs and commentary regarding how UltraPower came about and what it does. Along with UltraPower programming the company offers a complete line of UltraPower suspension upgrades.

Brazel’s RV Performance developed UltraPower in 2004 by custom tuning our customer’s starting with Workhorse chassis with the 8.1L engine. We did this using our Taylor chassis dynamometer and software that was designed to read, edit and program the PCM or on-board computer. We are the only company that has done this specifically for the motor home market (not just adapted from pickup trucks with the same drivetrain) The tuning parameters were learned by us using our dyno to simulate various loads, speed and rpm’s and a “real time interface” that allowed us to tune while the vehicle was being put through the paces on the dyno. Various sensors were installed to monitor engine data to ensure that engineered tolerances were not exceeded.


Brazel's RV Performance Center Aerial View

Let me give you a little background on what the PCM’s primary job is. It’s designed to receive input data from sensors that give it information such as: engine load (MAP), coolant temp, air intake temp, air flow (MAF), RPM, vehicle speed (VSS), Oxygen o2 (when in closed loop) And, outputs that control: spark advance/retard, fuel injection on/off time (PW). It has been determined that a 14.7/1 air/fuel ratio is optimal (stoichiometric), so the oxygen sensors are calibrated to maintain that mixture once the system goes into closed loop…by design, there is nothing that can be done to change that mixture unless you were to remove the o2s (then the engine would tend to run too rich all the time). So, what we did was to squeeze more power out of that 14.7/1 mixture with each combustion event.

By the way, when you accelerate quickly (aka WOT) the system will go into “open loop” disregarding the o2 sensors so a richer mixture can be allowed; we do remap the fueling for this condition. The only way you can increase efficiency is to increase the cylinder pressure during combustion. The ignition timing affects many variables including engine longevity, fuel economy, and engine power.

Timing advance is used to fire the spark plug prior to the piston reaching TDC because of the speed at which the piston moves, in order to maximize the efficiency (power/economy) of the engine you want the spark to ignite just slightly after TDC (the instant it starts its downstroke or powerstroke) . If it ignites too soon you’ll hear a pinging or detonation because its mixture is trying to expand as the piston is trying to compress and will cause excessive cylinder pressure and heat; if it’s too late (retarded) you get a loss of power and increased fuel consumption.

There are knock sensors that will retard timing if they detect detonation; timing is also controlled by coolant temp, air intake temp, air flow to intake and altitude. Increased power also has the benefit of holding transmission gears a little longer before downshifting and you’re less into the throttle to achieve the same speed.

Our tuning is a lot like playing a piece of music and the note you’re to play is an A, but you’re a little sharp or flat….it’s close but sounds bad. We simply tune the engine to play the right notes in tune all the time.

Workhorse/GM/Ford

Features of programming:

Lower engine operating temp

Lower exhaust emissions

More horsepower/torque

Less downshifting

Built-in torque limiting to protect drive-train

Built for 87 octane fuel (regular gas)

No pinging

No add-on devices—programmed directly to your computer

Custom built for your specific VIN and calibrations

Dyno developed using real-time computer technology

Benefits of programming:

Smooth power throughout the entire rpm and load range—tuned for maximum fuel economy and power at cruising speeds between 50-65mph

Improved engine efficiency creates more power, lower emissions, more fuel efficient, prolongs engine and drive-train life.

Most cost effective way to improve your performance and fuel economy

100% reliable and 100% satisfaction guarantee—hundreds of satisfied customers, available on request.

Free updates when available

Dealers around country

Core exchange program

Lifetime warranty to the original purchaser

Do you have anything for my SUV or for other manufacturers like Ford?
Yes, we can tune most all the GM SUV’s and P/U trucks gas and diesel as well as the Ford V10, 7.3L and 6.0L diesel.

Why doesn’t the manufacturer do this?
They don’t because they allow for a wide variety of engine operating conditions. Also, the programming is primarily developed based on engineering formulas rather than using a chassis dynamometer for the motor home chassis. For example the marine application using the 8.1L engine puts out more hp than the over the road version…the engine has been engineered for various applications and is capable of the extra power but is "de-tuned" for over the road usage.

Do you need to use the dyno each time?
We have compiled all the engine’s specific calibration packets by year and have dyno tuned each of them. Since they operate using that specific calibration packet, they will perform with the same results from coach to coach; given all the mechanical conditions are the same (properly operating injectors, plugs, wires, input sensors and output controllers, engine compression, etc.)

Regarding MPG:
This is one upgrade that by making the engine perform more efficiently will gain more power and mpg. 75% of our customers report an increase in mileage of .5 to 1.5 mpg gain. Not all report a gain because they are using the increased power more, or may have other mechanical issues, but none with a report of less mpg. So, technically, if you’re experiencing a gain in power without a gain in mpg (mpg remains the same) you are getting more power for the same fuel consumption. In theory, your throttle position would be less than before to achieve the same speed, resulting in better fuel economy. A typical statement that we hear is “I used to go up this particular hill at 45mph and now I can go 65mph up that same hill, but I’m not getting an increase in mpg!”

Will I pass smog?
Definitely! We do not disable or tamper with your emission control devices, if fact by increasing the efficiency of the way your engine performs it reduces emissions.

Warranty issues:
Our programming is not a plug in chip and is undetectable by a dealer’s equipment and as such will not void your warranty. However, if you have an issue with your engine and you tell them you’ve made any performance upgrades by any aftermarket company, the manufacturer of your chassis will automatically blame that aftermarket upgrade as the cause. We recommend that you contact the aftermarket company before you take you vehicle into a dealer for repairs. In our case we will assist you through the warranty repair process by talking to the service dept and/or manufacturer of your particular chassis to make sure you don’t get the “run around”. We do not remove any built in protection that the computer contains, such as: torque limiters, detonation sensors (knock sensors), speed limiters, temp protection, o2 air/fuel protection or emission controls.

How do I get UltraPower?
There are several ways, you can remove your computer and ship it to us or, call us and we can direct you to one of our dealers located around the country, or call us to see if we are going to be at an RV Rally that you will be attending, or come to our shop. 1-877-786-1576, or visit our website: www.brazelsrv.com, or email mike@brazelsrv.com

Steve Brazel
Brazel's RV Performance
UltraDistributing
360-736-9494
www.brazelsrv.com

Here are few more pictures for everyone's viewing pleasure!

Very nice, looks like you can go across the road and get in a little fishing while they're dialing in the ECM on your rig. I like it.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Jeff and Mike, great folks.

Jim

Steve and Mike, let me wish you guys the best of luck in the future. Your commitment to the RV industry is very evident with the development of your beautiful full service facility, and the quality of your products. That camp ground looks very inviting, what an outstanding concept. I'm sure you guys are miles ahead of the rest of the aftermarket in customer apperciation.
Best regards

Thanks Steve,

Steve designed the whole thing and he did most of the work as well,he is a great visionary.When are you guys coming out this way??

Mike,

Nice touch. You guys are first class all the way.

BTW, we're going to be up your way at the end of July and first of August. Will try to stop by.

Man Teach I haven't heard from you in awile! How's the new coach doing??

Mike, the new coach is great. We now have over 18,000 miles on it.

May need to talk to you about the side-to-side heaving when exiting parking lots, etc... Wife loves the ride but doesn't want anything done that impacts ride.

Gary

Haven't had the opportunity to visit, but I have had the opportunity to meet some of the staff at Brazels...Great bunch of guys! Place looks great. Take care and hope to see you soon at the next rally.

Jason RTS