Tuning is the quickest and biggest bang for your buck modification in terms of adding horsepower and improving drivability. The OE manufacturers did a good job tuning the 7.3 out of the factory, but of course, there’s always more to be had. There are currently four common tuning methods. Each has its pluses and minuses. We’ll touch on all of them as well as our preferred method.

In Line Tuning

In the early days of diesel performance this was all we had. In line tuning is the practice of fooling the computer into thinking one or more of the sensors are seeing different readings than what’s actually being seen. For example, if you fooled the computer into seeing less fuel than the system is actually producing, it would cause the computer to add more fuel, resulting in an increase of power. These systems are typically placed between select sensors and the computer, adjusting the signal sent back to the computer from the sensor(s). These systems are still very prevalent in the marketplace today and there’s generally nothing wrong with these types of tuning devices (assuming the aftermarket manufacturer built theirs well), they’re just limited in what they can accomplish. There’s only so much that can be adjusted with this method.

Flashing The Computer

This method utilizes the OBDII port and loads completely new engine and/or transmission files to the PCM. This style has the ability to adjust essentially everything the PCM controls, however, for the most part, these styles of “flash tuners” are pretty limited in what they do. Not because they didn’t have the ability, but because the companies that designed them built the files for stock or fairly stock vehicles. There simply was no reason for their manufacturers to get more into depth with the tune files created. Still absolutely nothing wrong with this setup, especially if you’ve got a fairly stock truck.

6-Position “Flip Chips”

Now is when we start getting into the ability for more custom in-depth tuning. These flip chips take a little more work to install but offer full tuning adjustability via dozens of different tuning shops. Standard files for stock, or close to stock, are available and are commonly the ones used, but if you need a custom file made for whatever reason, a custom file can be made and loaded to the chip. As opposed to mounting in line, or being uploaded into the PCM, “flip chips” as they’re commonly called, plug directly into the PCM. Another big bonus from this style of tuning upgrade is the ability to select between tune files at the “flip of a switch”. Because of this, you could load a safe towing tune, a hot tune for the track, and everything in between, plus a high idle function. The options are endless here in terms of what they can be made to do and hundreds of different files are available, including some gimmicky ones like “lope tunes”. However, and here’s the down side, the loading of files takes special equipment that 99.99% of us don’t have. If you need a different tune loaded to your chip, you’d need to remove the chip from the PCM and send it to a tuner. This makes file changes lengthy which is especially problematic for uber custom 7.3’s.

The Hydra Chip

Pretty quickly after Power Hungry Performance engineered the Hydra Chip over a decade ago, it became the standard go-to for tuning a 7.3L. The Hydra is the same as the “flip chip” in how it controls the 7.3 and how it installs, but the similarities end there.

The Hydra installs the same way as a “flip chip”. It plugs into the PCM (which needs to be removed from the firewall first) and is controlled via a small box mounted to the dash, or wherever you’d prefer to mount it. That controller box is a digital push button one, as opposed to the analog dial that “flip chips” use. A simple up or down button push changes the file you’re using while a digital readout displays exactly what tune is loaded. The Hydra has provisions for 15 different files. So, for example, if you want three different high idle RPM settings, a no start file, plus all your different performance files, you can have it all and change between files in half a second.

The last and arguably the most important part about the Hydra is that you can reconfigure it yourself. Now of course you could learn how to tune and create your own files, but that’s risky, and not at all what we meant here. The Hydra gives you the ability to easily swap out any of the 15 files for new ones from Power Hungry Performance (of which there are over 100 of, all available online for free) or custom files from your favorite tuner. All you need is a laptop computer. The program that the Hydra uses to load files is extremely easy to use. For those with fairly simple setups, the Hydra can be loaded with the free files from Power Hungry Performance. Or, if you’ve got a very custom setup, say a drag truck with 1000 hp, you can very easily fine tune your setup to whatever you need. Your tuner can send you new files via email, and it takes minutes to load them into the Hydra.

For the ease of adjustability and a better user interface than a flip chip, the Hydra reigns as the King of tuning devices for the 7.3L Powerstroke.

Check out the Hydra on our site HERE

***Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. We share our knowledge and experience, but we are not liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may occur as a result of using this information. Situations are rarely cut and dry in the automotive world. Your situation will likely be somewhat different than what we describe here.  Use your best judgment and always consult a qualified professional for automotive repairs and modifications. Your safety is your responsibility.