Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Tuners comparison?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 23, 2015 | 02:17 PM
  #1  
ExPACamper's Avatar
ExPACamper
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,277
Likes: 32
From: Blairsville, Pennsylvania
Tuners comparison?

Just looking for Stage I stuff, AIS, 4" MBRP, VB, that kind of stuff.

Looking to add gauges and maybe TorquePro.

I need some help on tuners and the differences.

1. I want to switch programs on the fly (while running? Stop and change, then drive off? Not sure of the options here).

2. Looking for economy, power, and tow modes. Maybe variants of light, mild, heavy, etc

3. SCT X4 has a OBD monitor, but isn't really for full-time use? Maybe.

4. Hydra seems best download and store tunes and the Hex code option for more programs, but is one of least "exciting" looking installations with a 1978 LED out of an electronics science kit.

5. Budget around $500 or less with tunes.

I can mount tablet with TorquePro, or use one of the nice looking SCT-style monitors.

I read one of the differences between different types of tuners- chips vs programmers- is switching on the fly vs reprogramming. Not sure I got all the differences and which tuners support which.

Can someone shed some light here? Seems like the more I read, the more I lose track of which has what

Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2015 | 07:03 AM
  #2  
Tugly's Avatar
Tugly
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
A good start is the "custom tunes" link in my signature - you may want to click that.

The Hydra is the flavor of the year, you have a lot of tuning options with that - even with the 7-segment LED. If the display really challenges your chi, there is a Bluetooth option to switch the tunes. I haven't delved into this option, so it will require a little research to see if it fits your needs.

When you say Stage 1 injectors, I assume you mean IH AC160 single-shot injectors with stock nozzles. In regards to injector choice (reman vs. new), the 160/100 injector link in my signature is very helpful.

As for budget - gauges, getting the truck to 100%, and prepping the truck for more power before chipping will likely send you limping to your lender.



 
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2015 | 09:00 AM
  #3  
ExPACamper's Avatar
ExPACamper
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,277
Likes: 32
From: Blairsville, Pennsylvania
I've been through your Chip Chasers thread a couple of times. Good stuff. It made a lot of sense.

Most of my budget is pre-tuner stuff. By Stage I injectors, I meant stock injectors with only Stage I, mostly bolt-on mods- pretty mild stuff. Looking for performance + longevity and reliability as the primary goals.

The Hydra is likely where I'm headed. Shame they don't have a monitor/control screen option like some of the others. Even a better multiline LCD display that allowed you to name your tunes would be an improvement over a windshield mounted clipboard for the Program number to Tune name legend. LOL.

After I get it, I may actually make one of these. Does anyone know the interface specs for the Hydra tune selector?

Thanks again for the input. I have read quite a few of your posts and threads. Good topics and discussions, quite helpful. Keep it up!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ExPACamper
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
66
Aug 9, 2017 11:02 AM
bcaughhorn
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
36
Jun 27, 2017 11:30 AM
dizzyfingers03
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
13
Nov 29, 2011 05:07 PM
Dirtrider0213
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Dec 24, 2010 01:42 PM
OrangeF250
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Mar 26, 2009 08:01 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:52 AM.

story-0
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

Slideshow: Ranking the 5 things owners love about their Super Duty and 5 things they don't

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:36:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

Slideshow: Ranking all 12 Ford truck engines available in 2026.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 13:32:20


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

Slideshow: The best Ford F-150 deal for every trim level (XL through Raptor)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 15:59:01


VIEW MORE