LOOKING FOR A TUNER FOR 2003 7.3 DIESEL
#1
08-22-2015, 08:26 AM
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LOOKING FOR A TUNER FOR 2003 7.3 DIESEL
I have a 2003, F250 Super Duty, extended cab, 4X4, 7.3 diesel, 6 speed manual. The truck is stock with no aftermarket performance updates or tires. I use this truck for towing a 24 foot trailer loaded up to 15,000 lbs. at times. Looking for a tuner that will help with engine performance during towing and also when I am just cruising around.
There are so many tuners to choose from so I am looking to my fellow 7.3
enthusiasts who are actually using one or have used one or if you know of a good one to use.
Thanks in advance for you recommendations.
There are so many tuners to choose from so I am looking to my fellow 7.3
enthusiasts who are actually using one or have used one or if you know of a good one to use.Thanks in advance for you recommendations.
#2
08-22-2015, 08:29 AM
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#3
08-22-2015, 08:43 AM
This is a well-trodden road, complete with signage, highway stripes, and signs over the exits. I'm going to cheat here and copy/paste from myself on a very recent thread of the same question:
The Hydra chip is the flavor of the year right now, with the ability to receive emailed tunes from several tuning vendors. Before you go on a shopping spree from a variety of tune providers to slap into a Hydra... know that some of the tuning specialist have different "attitudes" about tuning, and switching between tunes from different providers can stall the truck. I know somebody that has two providers on his Hydra, and he has his tunes in "sections", where each section has one tune provider.
Another thing to know - stock sticks only have about 60 HP left on the table by the Ford engineers. Tunes can tap into this reserve, but reaching for a little more than the reserve can actually lose power, create high Exhaust Gas Temperatures, and roll coal - yet trick you into thinking you're kicking *** when it's actually being handed to you.
Before all of that, please feel free to click the custom tunes link in my signature - very useful information.
The Hydra chip is the flavor of the year right now, with the ability to receive emailed tunes from several tuning vendors. Before you go on a shopping spree from a variety of tune providers to slap into a Hydra... know that some of the tuning specialist have different "attitudes" about tuning, and switching between tunes from different providers can stall the truck. I know somebody that has two providers on his Hydra, and he has his tunes in "sections", where each section has one tune provider.
Another thing to know - stock sticks only have about 60 HP left on the table by the Ford engineers. Tunes can tap into this reserve, but reaching for a little more than the reserve can actually lose power, create high Exhaust Gas Temperatures, and roll coal - yet trick you into thinking you're kicking *** when it's actually being handed to you.
Before all of that, please feel free to click the custom tunes link in my signature - very useful information.
#4
08-22-2015, 10:47 AM
This is a well-trodden road, complete with signage, highway stripes, and signs over the exits. I'm going to cheat here and copy/paste from myself on a very recent thread of the same question:
The Hydra chip is the flavor of the year right now, with the ability to receive emailed tunes from several tuning vendors. Before you go on a shopping spree from a variety of tune providers to slap into a Hydra... know that some of the tuning specialist have different "attitudes" about tuning, and switching between tunes from different providers can stall the truck. I know somebody that has two providers on his Hydra, and he has his tunes in "sections", where each section has one tune provider.
Another thing to know - stock sticks only have about 60 HP left on the table by the Ford engineers. Tunes can tap into this reserve, but reaching for a little more than the reserve can actually lose power, create high Exhaust Gas Temperatures, and roll coal - yet trick you into thinking you're kicking *** when it's actually being handed to you.
Before all of that, please feel free to click the custom tunes link in my signature - very useful information.
The Hydra chip is the flavor of the year right now, with the ability to receive emailed tunes from several tuning vendors. Before you go on a shopping spree from a variety of tune providers to slap into a Hydra... know that some of the tuning specialist have different "attitudes" about tuning, and switching between tunes from different providers can stall the truck. I know somebody that has two providers on his Hydra, and he has his tunes in "sections", where each section has one tune provider.
Another thing to know - stock sticks only have about 60 HP left on the table by the Ford engineers. Tunes can tap into this reserve, but reaching for a little more than the reserve can actually lose power, create high Exhaust Gas Temperatures, and roll coal - yet trick you into thinking you're kicking *** when it's actually being handed to you.
Before all of that, please feel free to click the custom tunes link in my signature - very useful information.
#5
08-22-2015, 07:41 PM
Join Date: Oct 2014
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Thank you very much Tugly
This is a well-trodden road, complete with signage, highway stripes, and signs over the exits. I'm going to cheat here and copy/paste from myself on a very recent thread of the same question:
The Hydra chip is the flavor of the year right now, with the ability to receive emailed tunes from several tuning vendors. Before you go on a shopping spree from a variety of tune providers to slap into a Hydra... know that some of the tuning specialist have different "attitudes" about tuning, and switching between tunes from different providers can stall the truck. I know somebody that has two providers on his Hydra, and he has his tunes in "sections", where each section has one tune provider.
Another thing to know - stock sticks only have about 60 HP left on the table by the Ford engineers. Tunes can tap into this reserve, but reaching for a little more than the reserve can actually lose power, create high Exhaust Gas Temperatures, and roll coal - yet trick you into thinking you're kicking *** when it's actually being handed to you.
Before all of that, please feel free to click the custom tunes link in my signature - very useful information.
The Hydra chip is the flavor of the year right now, with the ability to receive emailed tunes from several tuning vendors. Before you go on a shopping spree from a variety of tune providers to slap into a Hydra... know that some of the tuning specialist have different "attitudes" about tuning, and switching between tunes from different providers can stall the truck. I know somebody that has two providers on his Hydra, and he has his tunes in "sections", where each section has one tune provider.
Another thing to know - stock sticks only have about 60 HP left on the table by the Ford engineers. Tunes can tap into this reserve, but reaching for a little more than the reserve can actually lose power, create high Exhaust Gas Temperatures, and roll coal - yet trick you into thinking you're kicking *** when it's actually being handed to you.
Before all of that, please feel free to click the custom tunes link in my signature - very useful information.
Thank you very much Tugly for the great info on tuners. I checked the info out about making sure the truck is 100% before adding a tuner and it is very informative. I have the AE scanner with the ford software and will be doing some diagnostics before I go and spend money on a tuner. 
#6
08-23-2015, 01:07 AM
Fleet Owner
Look into Gearhead tuning.
https://gearheadautomotiveperformanc...uning-Products
I have heard nothing but good things about them. If I decide to get a tune, this is who I plan to go with.
https://gearheadautomotiveperformanc...uning-Products
I have heard nothing but good things about them. If I decide to get a tune, this is who I plan to go with.
#7
08-23-2015, 02:16 PM
Look into Gearhead tuning.
https://gearheadautomotiveperformanc...uning-Products
I have heard nothing but good things about them. If I decide to get a tune, this is who I plan to go with.
https://gearheadautomotiveperformanc...uning-Products
I have heard nothing but good things about them. If I decide to get a tune, this is who I plan to go with.
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#8
08-23-2015, 02:42 PM
Fleet Owner
I have heard similar things about Gear Heads tunes. They are my number one choice so far because I bought this truck to pull a travel trailer and be a truck. I am not interested in smoking tires, rolling coal or drag racing.
I am looking for longevity, efficiency and durability. If I decide to get a tune, low EGT and towing performance will be the main criteria.
They have the Hydra listed on the website, so I assume that they support the Hydra.
I am looking for longevity, efficiency and durability. If I decide to get a tune, low EGT and towing performance will be the main criteria.
They have the Hydra listed on the website, so I assume that they support the Hydra.
#9
08-25-2015, 06:37 PM
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Feel free to shoot me a PM, e-mail, or phone call. I can help get you setup with something that meets your specific needs. Everyone uses their truck for different situations and purposes, for this reason, getting tunes tailored to your needs is ideal.
My contact info is in my signature. I would be happy to help you out and answer any questions you may have.
My contact info is in my signature. I would be happy to help you out and answer any questions you may have.
#10
08-25-2015, 07:27 PM
More Turbo
And I am going to point out a first "on ramp" in the road to mods. You should get EGT readings gauges of some sort to you have on your dash. That way you can detune if needed, or simply back out of the throttle. Pistons, rings not to mention EX valves/seats would not take kindly to a long haul up grade with a trailer through a mountain pass, in a HP tune. Sometimes when the heat rises in the kitchen it is time to get out.
#11
08-25-2015, 08:12 PM
This is a well-trodden road, complete with signage, highway stripes, and signs over the exits. I'm going to cheat here and copy/paste from myself on a very recent thread of the same question:
The Hydra chip is the flavor of the year right now, with the ability to receive emailed tunes from several tuning vendors. Before you go on a shopping spree from a variety of tune providers to slap into a Hydra... know that some of the tuning specialist have different "attitudes" about tuning, and switching between tunes from different providers can stall the truck. I know somebody that has two providers on his Hydra, and he has his tunes in "sections", where each section has one tune provider.
Another thing to know - stock sticks only have about 60 HP left on the table by the Ford engineers. Tunes can tap into this reserve, but reaching for a little more than the reserve can actually lose power, create high Exhaust Gas Temperatures, and roll coal - yet trick you into thinking you're kicking *** when it's actually being handed to you.
Before all of that, please feel free to click the custom tunes link in my signature - very useful information.
The Hydra chip is the flavor of the year right now, with the ability to receive emailed tunes from several tuning vendors. Before you go on a shopping spree from a variety of tune providers to slap into a Hydra... know that some of the tuning specialist have different "attitudes" about tuning, and switching between tunes from different providers can stall the truck. I know somebody that has two providers on his Hydra, and he has his tunes in "sections", where each section has one tune provider.
Another thing to know - stock sticks only have about 60 HP left on the table by the Ford engineers. Tunes can tap into this reserve, but reaching for a little more than the reserve can actually lose power, create high Exhaust Gas Temperatures, and roll coal - yet trick you into thinking you're kicking *** when it's actually being handed to you.
Before all of that, please feel free to click the custom tunes link in my signature - very useful information.
That right there should be stickied in bright Red Letters in it's own category at the top of the page. A lot of people like the Hydra cause it gives you freedom to choose your own vendor on tunes. But they write those tunes in languages that sometimes don't play well with others.....Stick with a vendor, test EACH new tune on your Rig first. Add Another, Test, So On and so forth. Life is good..Nothing makes you pucker faster than changing a tune, on-the-fly, and your truck dies.
Look into Gearhead tuning.
https://gearheadautomotiveperformanc...uning-Products
I have heard nothing but good things about them. If I decide to get a tune, this is who I plan to go with.
https://gearheadautomotiveperformanc...uning-Products
I have heard nothing but good things about them. If I decide to get a tune, this is who I plan to go with.
I have heard similar things about Gear Heads tunes. They are my number one choice so far because I bought this truck to pull a travel trailer and be a truck. I am not interested in smoking tires, rolling coal or drag racing.
I am looking for longevity, efficiency and durability. If I decide to get a tune, low EGT and towing performance will be the main criteria.
They have the Hydra listed on the website, so I assume that they support the Hydra. Gearhead does support the Hydra
I am looking for longevity, efficiency and durability. If I decide to get a tune, low EGT and towing performance will be the main criteria.
They have the Hydra listed on the website, so I assume that they support the Hydra. Gearhead does support the Hydra
And I am going to point out a first "on ramp" in the road to mods. You should get EGT readings gauges of some sort to you have on your dash. That way you can detune if needed, or simply back out of the throttle. Pistons, rings not to mention EX valves/seats would not take kindly to a long haul up grade with a trailer through a mountain pass, in a HP tune. Sometimes when the heat rises in the kitchen it is time to get out.
All of these are very good points....
How many different tuners write tunes for the Hydra, I know about 5 and there are probably more, vs the others?
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