How do people feel about stock trucks with chips....what to know, should i do it? Im still new to the Diesel world and want to know what people think....Im looking for a budget chip. So far i found a Hydra Chip for $308 with 15 tunes but dont know if it will screw up my injectors or trans will suffer

 

You really need a couple of things before you get the chip:

1) A gauge to measure EGT’s (exhaust temps)

2) A less restrictive air intake.

3) A less restrictive exhaust system.

This will allow the 7.3 to breathe easier for the increase in HP, and make sure you are not over doing it by watching EGT’s so engine damage does not occur.

 

Custom tunes link in my signature... that's my answer, and I still stick to it all these years later.

 

When We first got Our truck 210k on the clock We focused on Failure prevention getting the truck in top shape,the failure prevention thread Here was Very helpful showing all the weak points of the truck & when they are likely to fail,I did fudged a few time & added a few mods before reached Our goals.

 

The advice that I was given by everyone here is make sure your truck is at 100%. ie no boost leaks, injector health, transmission working/rebuilt, no/ limited oil leaks, glow plugs, you get the picture. Im sure others will give helpful advice.
My truck is mostly stock, just a 4 inch exhaust, 6637 Donaldson filter and an Edge Evo with EGT gauge. I wouldn't recommend this setup because you can probably get other gauges for cheaper, but my truck already had it when I bought it a few years back and it monitors the sensors fine.

I just started running a Hydra with 1023 tunes and I have been very impressed. Shifts smoother, runs and idles better, and has some definite get up and go that it didn't have before. As long as you can make sure everything is 100% or close to it, and depending on your driving style it can be a great addition.

 

My opinion.

Intake = good idea.
Exhaust = not required if you watch the gauges, but won't hurt.
Gauges = very good idea.
Shift kit / modified valve body in the transmission if an auto = good idea.
Upgraded transmission cooler if towing with an auto = good idea.
Stock injectors using a quality chip = no worries.
Using a good chip for MPG's = bad idea (especially the first few months)
Using a good chip for enjoyment = good idea.