94-03 Ford 7.3L Powerstroke FFD Power Hungry Performance Hydra Chip

What is the best programmer, tuner or chip for my 7.3L Powerstroke? I like the Hydra, but what makes it better than all the other tuning devices that could work on my truck?
 

The 7.3L Powerstroke is a popular platform for tuning, and there are several good options available in the market for programmers, tuners, or chips. The Hydra Chip is indeed a popular choice among many 7.3L Powerstroke owners due to several key advantages:

Multiple Custom Tune Slots: The Hydra Chip offers 17 total tune slots, which means you can have up to 17 different tuning files loaded at any one time. This is particularly useful if you want to switch between performance, towing, economy, or even specialized tunes like those for cold weather or high-altitude conditions without needing to physically swap chips or reflash the ECM.

On-the-Fly Tuning: One of the biggest selling points of the Hydra is the ability to switch between these tunes on the fly, i.e., while driving, without the need to restart the engine. This feature allows for great flexibility depending on driving conditions or specific needs at any given time.

Ease of Use and Installation: The Hydra Chip connects directly to the PCM through the under-dash port and doesn’t require any drilling or permanent modifications to install. This plug-and-play functionality makes it user-friendly, especially for those who may not be as mechanically inclined.

Custom Tunes and Updates: Some suppliers of the Hydra offer custom tunes tailored to your specific truck and needs, as well as free updates. This can be a valuable service, ensuring that your truck is always running optimally as conditions or your setup changes.
Example: If you were to upgrade to bigger injectors, this absolutely requires custom tuning. If you upgrade the turbo, custom tunes aren't a must as they are with injectors, but customer tunes will optimize a performance turbo's capabilities. If you are going to upgrade the injectors, an electronic fuel system and Regulated return are highly recommended. Without them, you will never see the full gain from those bigger injectors. 


Support and Community: There is a strong community of Hydra users and several forums and resources available to help troubleshoot issues, share experiences, and offer setup advice. This community support can be invaluable, especially when customizing your vehicle’s performance.

Compatibility and Software: The software used to manage Hydra’s tunes is user-friendly and is supported by both Windows and macOS. The Minotaur Software makes managing your tune library and updating your tuner a straightforward task.

 

Featuring a digital display switch that's show what position the chip is currently running and what power level. The hydra plugs into the computer with a flat ribbon cable that runs to the dash. The dash mounted digital display switch is your controller for choosing your driving or towing programs. Included is the remote tuning cable. This tuning cable allows you to change or add programming without ever pulling the chip from the PCM.

 

Tuning options:

• Tune it yourself (Send blank) Pretty simple with a windows based PC.
• Tune 6 - We program 6 most popular tunes FREE.
• Tune Max - We'll fill the chip with available programs. (up to 17 but commonly only 10-14 tunes) (+$10)

 

The Hydra programming:

• Optimizes timing for more power and better mileage
• Increases fuel injector duration for more power
• Increase transmission shift firmness
• Give you safe towing programs for EGT control when loaded
• Daily street hot and economy programming for everyday drive-ability and power
• Extreme tuning for maximum performance

Hydra Chip Features and Benefits

• Includes the chip, digital display switch, ribbon cable, USB cable, and remote tuning cable
• 17 TOTAL POSITIONS including built-in Module Bypass (for diagnostics or emissions testing) and No-Start
• Easy to read TWO DIGIT removable display switch that mounts on any flat surface for maximum convenience
• Program/reprogram the chip using the included remote tuning cable
• Supports most competitors calibrations
• Fully compatible with PATS-equipped vehicles (Excursion)
• Update and Reprogram ONLINE using our FREE Hydra Flash software
• Program and Verify ONE or MORE positions with one click
• Program calibrations in ANY POSITION(s) or leave ANY positions blank!
• A single position takes less than 20 seconds to Program and Verify
• Read the factory PCM calibration directly through the chip
• Print out your own customized calibration list

This hydra is used for a stock truck without custom modifications. Works well with all intakes, exhaust systems, and stock transmissions. If you have extensive modifications you will need a custom programmed Hydra chip. You can download tunes to your Hydra at a later date from your home Windows based PC if you make upgrades later that requires custom tuning with the free tuning software from Power Hungry Performance.

 

Redesigned from the ground up, the Hydra Chip provides Ford owners with a feature packed, high quality, low cost alternative to many of the existing modules on the market today.

 

Hydra tunes that can be downloaded

Available programs for most trucks, that can be downloaded and installed on the chip by you with your home Windows based PC. We will load these tunes for you by request (leave note with your order on which tunes you want) or you can do it yourself with the free program.

• Daily
• High Idle
• Light Tow
• Heavy Tow
• Hot street
• Extreme

Summary:
The hydra chip is the most advanced plug in performance chip to date for the 7.3 Powerstroke. The 7.3 is shift on the fly capable unlike the newer trucks today. You can choose your desired tune at any point during your drive by just pushing the selector switch to the desired number. You can install the extension cable and reprogram your chip anytime without removing it. (see related products) It holds the most programs in the industry with 17 available positions. You can install custom tuning through your email from you home (see related products) if you ever upgrade your truck later.

 

 

Download the Hydra Flash Software Here.

 

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