I may know the answer to this, but just want some confirmation. We tow a 7500# (dry) 5th wheel with a 2002 7.3 - mostly stock. I had had and Edge CS programmer on it and almost always kept it in tow mode even for daily driving. Well last September, the truck was stolen from the light rail parking lot. We got it back the next day with very little "damage." The guy was actually using it as his own personal work truck. Got everything fixed, insurance check, and an alarm installed that weekend. The one thing that was missing was the Edge programmer. So, it's still in tow mode and we've towed the trailer a few times.
Now, I'm looking at getting either the DP Tuner or a PHP Hydra. I'm leaning toward the DP for the simple fact that I can get a mechanical rotary switch of all reasons. I think I would prefer the simplicity of turning the dial than clicking a little button to switch between tunes. I do like the upgradability of the PHP though. But, I figure I only need a few tunes to satisfy my needs.
So, my question is - can I put the chip in the computer with the prior Edge tune still in there? Or would I need to return it to stock mode? I'm thinking the DP/PHP chip would take over regardless of what's in the computer and if removed, the Edge tune would be the flavor of the day. Are my assumptions correct?

 

The Hydra will overwrite any existing tune on the PCM.

Next, Hydra all day every day. Why? Thousands of good reasons. It is not proprietary. There a many, many people currently writing tunes for it. Not just one or two. Next, and most importantly, there will be a new commercial tune writer entering the market very soon....one of our own. I am waiting on him specifically to fix the tunes that I have and to write the tunes for my new addition to the stable. With his tunes, I will no longer depend on my current tuner and I am certain that I will be completely satisfied based upon feedback from many respected members here that he tunes for privately.

Will he write tunes for DP's proprietary hardware? I do not know the answer to that. If he decides to, that is the only way I will go back to that platform.

 

Yup, skip the nickel and dime game and go open and free aka HYDRA.

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your best answer will be to call DP tuner and ask them all your questions.
they will honestly answer everything,.
i refer DP over others simply for their customer service.
plus with their tune selector like i have with the F-5 chip. if is very easy to disable the truck. either use their no start mode, or simply unplug the switcher and put it in your pocket.
the only way to move the truck once this is done is to tow it away.

 

If you insist on the ****, every tuner out there works with the TS chip. Brian at BTS is a good candidate, as he is a transmission specialist and he gets the towing mode dialed right in there for optimal transmission life. You lose the ability to have tunes emailed, but it has the ****.

Matt at Gearhead does a good job on the Hydra, plus you have the entire PHP library to tinker with. If those two don't suit you, you can find other tuners who utilize the Hydra platform.

 

go gearhead,just go gearhead

 

If this means what I think it means. It might be time for me to pull my old livewire of the shelf. Dust it off and sell it, so I can finally tune my truck. Never, been excited enough about anybody else's stuff to make the truck non stock. But this might just push me into the tuning game.

 

Rich brings up excellent points. He was once a DP customer as well.

If you choose DP, you will pay for EVERY single tune that you ever need or desire for every upgrade that you do to your truck unless you purchase those parts from DP. What do you do if DP doesn't sell a part that you want or need that will require an updated tune once it is installed...say a BTS 4R100 for instance. You'll have to fork over more money for that updated tune.

Gearhead does not operate that way. Once you purchase their initial tunes, you receive FREE upgraded tuning for each and every upgrade to you truck regardless of where or from whom you purchase that item.

Brian at BTS operates similar to Gearhead. He will even send out tunes for you to try at no charge.

If you choose Hydra, there is a FREE library of tunes that you can access based upon your PCM code and you load them from your own computer via email or send the chip to them. Your choice.

More great advice....with one caveat. I would only purchase two tunes from them at this time, a daily driver and a heavy tow tune. WHY?

Again, unless something has changed, there is a reliable NEW entry that will be available soon within a few weeks from what I was told.

He'll knock the tunes out of the ball park...

Trust us. Tuning is one of THE most important aspects of these trucks.

_

 

I have not heard otherwise so you are on the right track. He will be tuning both of my trucks...just waiting on a place to send the money.

 

Plus 1

 

New to trucks, new to diesels, new to 7.3s, all around newb. I have been lurking the page since I bought my 99.5 F250 7.3L last month. New AC clutch, CAI, turbo back exhaust, shocks, sway bar links, all by myself with info from this forum and YT. This is a feat in and of itself because I am Air Force and tend not to get dirty but my son, 17, really wanted to do the work ourselves.


Enough about me, it looks like a Hydra chip may be my next step. But I have a question about order. My truck seems to run fine, 140K, no issues as far as I can tell. I don't tow anything, possible a pontoon boat in the future. Should I change injectors before or after the Hydra chip upgrade? I am looking for a little more oomph. I am in no hurry for injector upgrades but wondering if I should do them together.




Thanks in advance.

 

So, it's ok, you can admit it....you're just aching to spend $1200?

Get the Hydra, get some good tuning and drive it for a while before you travel down the injector trail.

 

I 2nd what Dan V has recommended. I installed the Hydra with Gear Head tunning and a few other bolt on upgrades (stock AD injectors still) and the truck runs great. I do plan to get some 160/80 new injectors in the future, but the truck pulls a 12K lbs 5th just fine the way it is.

 

Another newbie with a question. Will the Hydra tuning help my stock truck? While I plan to upgrade the intake and exhaust as well it just isn't in the budget right now. I want more get up and go from my truck. I will be towing a 30' 5th wheel a couple of times a year.

 

The right tuning will help a stock truck, but the truck has to be at or near 100% in regards to intake/exhaust leaks, turbo working right, sensors working right, etc... Also, running a tuner without gauges, at least an EGT gauge is a gamble that most are not willing to take. Chances are your truck will be fine, but there is always that chance that your truck will go Chernobyl on you before you can say "WTF".