At Riffraff, we stock the PHP Hydra Chip because it fixes the two biggest problems with old-school 7.3 tuning: not knowing what tune you’re on and being stuck with whatever tune was installed years ago. The Hydra uses a two-digit removable LED switchbox so the driver always knows which program is active. And with both on the fly switchability plus extremely easy tune uploads, having your truck run exactly as you want it to, is made easy.

 

What the Hydra Chip does

Built by Power Hungry Performance, the Hydra is a PCM-mounted chip for Ford 7.3L Power Stroke trucks (1994–2003) with 17 total positions. Hundreds of tunes are available from stock plus files (plus high idles, no-starts, quiet files and much more) to modification specific files designed to work with the upgrades you've already made. The Hydra is also set up to accept other's custom files with ease. So if you need even more custom tuning, your tuner can email you a file and you can load it to your truck in mere minutes.

  

Key features

• Switch-on-the-fly tune selection with up/down buttons and a two-digit display.
• HydraFlash™ (Windows/Mac) programming and online updates; load or change tunes via USB.
• Free access to stock-injector PHP standard calibrations through the HydraFlash download.
• Package includes chip, digital switch, ribbon cable, USB cable, plus a free 6-ft USB extension cable (handy for in-cab programming).
• Supports many competitors’ calibrations, and custom tuners can email serial-specific files you can load yourself.

 

The two rules that prevent most “Hydra problems”

• All tunes must be the same HEX strategy. Mismatched strategies are a common cause of stalling when switching levels.
• PCM/J3 contact prep matters. The #1 “no start / weird behavior” cause is a dirty or poorly prepped J3 port.

 

Clean mounting options (so it doesn’t look like an afterthought)

• Hydra In-Dash Billet Flush Mount for an OEM-style dash install (note: slight trimming may be required depending on switch plastic seam).
• Hydra Switcher Gauge Mount Bracket if you’d rather mount near pods/gauges.

 

If you tune it, you should monitor it

More fueling can mean more heat—so for many trucks we recommend watching EGT/boost/trans temp. Our Triple Gauge Pillar Kit (99–03) is built as a complete package using ISSPRO gauges. Edge's CTS3 is also a great and very popular option for monitoring.