This is my current Edge Tuner

 

It pretty simple bud. A tuner reprograms the PCM. A chip piggy backs the PCM. Generally any chip will have far better tuning on it then a generalized tuner.

Generalized I mean 1 tuner will work for 94-03 7.3 PSD

When a Chip Tuned properly will be for your PCM code.

These generalized tuners/programmers from 99-03 will wreck transmissions in a hurry. Realize 94-96 have completely different transmissions, smaller injectors, single shot injectors, smaller turbos ect. So let me ask you would you want to put a tune in an 03 PSD that will also work in a 94.....I sure would not

A chip plugs into the back of your PCM. The PCM must be removed and split to clean the contactors. It sounds scary but its quite simple. I usually tell people to go ahead and prep for the chip when you pull it out to get the PCM code. That way wen the chip comes you can plug it in and mount the switch and your done.

 

I will say that so far I've been through 7 different chips/programmers and the canned tunes flat out suck compared to the ones burned to your pcm code. Currently running a PHP Phoenix which is just a TS chip with their tunes on it and have been pretty happy with it overall compared to all the stuff I've run in the past. For the money ($323) to my door you can't beat a chip from PHP. I would say that their tow tunes are probably my favorite thing about their tuning as the tow tunes keep the rpms up instead of lugging the motor like some others do. Btw I think my old Hypertec programmer claimed a 100 hp increase on the highest setting but for comparison it's slower than my 80 dd tune from PHP...120 tune is a major difference from the prgrammer.

 

I would say go with the chip a lot of programmers will f!@# with ur trans where as a good chip will help your trans. like Montgomery p-stroke I also have a php phoenix chip and couldn't be happier even on the 80DD its a night and day difference. I also saw a modest mpg gain. I have heard they also have really good tow tunes I cant vouch for that as I don't tow much but you can tell them exactly what mods you have and what tires and lift and all that stuff and they can tune for that. they also have great turn around time I had my chip within 4 days of ordering it.

 

The edge is the reason for your multiple trans rebuilds. Edge is hard on transmissions for some reason.

 

Hey man i started out with the same programmer as you,Then bought the HYDRA chip from PHP when it first came out you get so many tunes from there software for FREE it's so easy to load tunes any tuner almost can make you tunes for it and send them to you by e-mail, and there just as easy to put on. I notched my pcm case or bracket what ever you wanna call it so i can just pull my chip when ever i want without pulling the pcm again. As far as hp from the edge and my chip, truck runs like night and day and if you ever wanna go with bigger injectors the edge has to go anyway. JUST BUY THE HYDRA threw who ever it's like $425 or so maybe even less now it holds like 17 tunes, will you ever need that many tunes IDK i have like 10 but again i'm running tunes from php software and i just got 3 tunes from GEARHEAD. Sorry this is so long but the EDGE is killing your truck slowly

 

One note to add that u asked about is yes a chip (if its multi position) does need a switcher mounted on dash. Normal chips are typically 6 position rotary switches. Dp f5 and f6 and php hydra chip have digital switches. My recommendation is the hydra chip.

The other option you mentioned is dp infinity. It is a programmer that says connected to the obd port. Difference between it and the edge is the tunes are custom written for your truck either by dp or I believes nltd will do them also. It also has diagnostic capability.

Once you go custom tunes you won't go back.

 

Thanks for the info guys, this is getting cleared up now.

Ok, so if I go with the Hydra I can update it in the truck with a laptop (correct?) which seems like a plus.

It comes with 15 Standard calibrations and each custom tune is an additional $25 - I think the “No Start” and “Stock” tunes are included

But would I really need more than 6 custom tunes that the Phoenix comes with. And if did go with the Phoenix, and made more mods to the truck, do I need to yank the chip to have it reprogramed?

I do have an aftermarket Garrett turbo and it has been so long I don’t remember what model it is, will that require the custom tunes?

• What is the difference between the 65hp Moderate Tow and the 65hp Daily Driver?
• What is the difference between the 80hp Daily Driver and the 80hp Performance?
• Can I run the 140hp Extreme on my truck with stock injectors, HPOP etc. The only non-stock items are the cold air intake, 4” exhaust and the turbo.

 

For reburns the Hydra stays in and the Phoenix has to come out. Just a turbo won't need custom tunes. When it comes to the difference in tunes I would say that it is mainly the transmission shift points on same hp tunes but not completely sure. Mine holds a gear a lot longer on the tow tunes so it is not something you would want to use without actually pulling something. If you plan on future upgrades just get the Hydra so your options open up from the tuning aspect. If bigger sticks are not in your future then either one will suite you just fine.

 

So it sounds like my mostly stock truck can use the Hydra out of the box with no need for custom tunes. Then later on if I do add bigger injectors, aftermarket HPOP or whatever I can pay for and load additional custom tunes.

The website says "Starting at $425 for stock trucks or trucks with mild modifications - INCLUDES 15 STANDARD CALIBRATIONS!

And if I do in the future need one or two "Custom Tunes" do they just replace one or two of the "Standard Calibrations"?

• What are the 15 calibrations that it comes with?
• Is there a certain preselected set of calibrations that it comes with?

Thanks Eric.

 

Once you do mods that require custom tunes, for the most part standard tunes can't be used. Some exceptions to that are things like high idle and such. I currently use phps stock 1400 rpm high idle even though I have single shots. I also use their drive through tune although its not perfect due to my injectors.

The real beauty of the hydra is that there is a number of vendors that can write tunes for it and if you buy injectors from them they will usually either give you some tunes free or at a discount. I'm not certain exactly what the deals are when a hydra is involved and it will be dependent on the vendor.

As far as what tunes come with the hydra is dependent on your pcm code and what tunes are available for it.

 

What's your PCM code. Maybe someone can look them up for your PCM code. I gladly would however I'm not gonna be home till tomorrow night.

 

Yep, I'm gonna ask, "How do I get my PCM code?"

Also, it turns out that I don't have an Edge Evolution, I have an Edge Attitude with Juice system.

I guess that is going to take a little longer to yank out.

Where should I purchase the Hydra? I am in NorCal or do I just buy it directly from PHP?

 

look on any of the sites that sell ts or hydra chips. they tell you where to get the code. I am in the same boat as you. have been looking for a tuner. was told on the 7.3 there are more things that can be adjusted with the chip than a tuner. some people sell custom tunes for a tuner. ts and hydra are probably the most popular chip. it is about $75 dollars dif in price between the two. was also told that custom tunes, even a stock truck can benefit from custom tunes. at least trans wise and most tune writers give lifetime reburns for their stuff.

 

Well I just bought one for $375 from Alligator Performance - Hydra

Now I gotta yank out the old Edge Attitude with Juice, install my new 4" lift and 35s and wait for the Brown Delivery Van to pull up!

 

WOW, that is one heck of a good price:evil

You get the pcm code when you pull the pcm too install the Hydra, when you have the pcm code the program has a conversion to the HEX code, ounce you get that you scroll down until you find your HEX codes, and then load them onto the Hydra chip. For my my HEX code is VRAA6S3 get's me just about everything I need, I have the 25,45,65hp tow tunes, 65,80hp daily drive, the 100,120hp performance, 140hp race, and the 75hp sipper tune and still have more room on the chip.

 

From what I understand the number of tunes that are shipped with the hydra depends on your PCM code. Some have more tunes available than others. Another happy php Phoenix customer here. Made a world of difference towing my travel trailer. Pre chip the truck would drop to second at 45 mph and ~3000 rpms towing the large mountain pass I see frequently. After chip using 65 tow it holds 60-65 (the speed limit) no problem.

 

Find your PCM like Montgomery said and I'll post you what it has available for your code when I get home.

 

Thanks for the info guys, I haven't really done anything to this truck in about eight years and instead of buying a new truck for myself, I bought a couple of trucks for my company.

So its time to update the ol 7.3L, finally adding a lift and some 35s and I am going to start with the Hydra. I don't want to get too crazy on the mods for this truck, but once I get started....

I will try to get the PCM code tomorrow, if that damn work thing doesn't get in the way!!

 

And yes I have read the “Newbies looking for more power” thread…

I have a ’01 7.3L F250 4x4 automatic with appx. 190,000 miles. The auto tranny is on its second rebuild, the first time it was done under Ford warranty and the second time was by a local shop and I do not know what parts were used. I have had the truck since new and it has stock head bolts etc.

The truck’s main purpose is to tow a 8,000 lb wakeboard boat around to different NorCal lakes, tow teenagers to the local movie house and occasionally tow a 18,000 lb excavator (very rarely as I have a couple of F550s and a Dodge 3500)

I had a different turbo installed years ago, it is a Garrett, but I don’t remember anything other than it is a “ball bearing” model (GTP38R?)
The motor has a cold air intake and a 4” exhaust.

I also had installed an Edge (Evolution?) tuner (model #?)

I run around with my Edge Tuner on “5” and it doesn’t seem to make any difference if I have it set on “1” or “5”. The tuner is left plugged in all the time.

I have decided to keep the truck and am adding some 35x12.50/20s along with a 4” lift still running the factory 3.73s.

Now after too many PSN threads and hours of reading, I am confused about the difference between a “Tuner” and a “Chip”

A "Tuner" can be classified as a number of things. It could be the actual person writing the tunes, a chip, or a programmer. The terminology is thrown around quite vaguely and it is a very generic term.

A "Chip" is a device that will slide onto the PCM and override the info of the PCM. This is why you are able to switch tunes on the fly with a chip.

A "Programmer" is a device that plugs into the OBDII port and flashes a new tune onto the PCM. Programmers are not switch on the fly because the engine needs to be off in order to load a new tune.

My Edge is connected to the OBD port full time, what is it doing different than a chip does?

Would I see a difference with going to a “Chip” with a “Custom Tune”?

I have been looking at the TW custom chips, dp tuner, Diesel Innovations websites and have been down a bunch of rabbit holes not exactly what I am looking at.

And what parts do I need if I do?
Where does the “Chip” mount/install? Chips mount directly onto the J3 port of the PCM.
Do you mount a rotary knob inside on the dash within the driver’s reach?

Do the $500 +/- chips come with the six (or so) different custom “tunes”? Depending on the chip and tuner. At that price, yes they should come with a handful of tunes on a basic chip.

On the DP tuner site, what is the INFINITY-DX Touch Screen 7.3L? They call it a programmer??? The Infinity is a programmer when used alone. It can also be used as a switch for any multi-position chip with the use of our CEI-HUB.
Does the Pre-Loaded F6 1-16 Position switch on the fly SMARTChip come with the tunes? (Seems like it) Yes, the Pre-loaded F6 comes loaded with 12-14 tunes depending on transmission type.

Automatic trans tunes: 20hp tow, 40hp tow, 60hp tow, 80hp tow, 60hp daily, 60hp daily mountains, 80hp daily, 80hp daily mountains, 100hp performance, 120hp race, 140hp extreme, 140hp aggressive, Decel & 1200rpm Hi-Idle- perfect for faster warm-up, Boost A/C, running a winch.

Manual trans tunes: 20hp tow, 40hp tow, 60hp tow, 80hp tow, 60hp daily, 80hp daily, 100hp performance, 120hp race, 140hp extreme, & 140hp aggressive, Decel & 1200rpm Hi-Idle- perfect for faster warm-up, Boost A/C, running a winch.

I have a pretty much stock engine, and use the truck as previously stated, is there some other engine mods I should do first considering the truck’s mileage? I am not looking for a race truck, but I do like power and I am tired of the 6.7Ls pulling away from me when they are loaded down and towing!

Thanks for any help…

See my responses in red. Let me know if you have any other questions. :ford:

 

Justin,

Thanks for the clarification. I already purchased a Hydra chip, so hopefully I am good to go. I have a buddy who is getting a dyno set up at Infineon (Sonoma Raceway) and I want to baseline my truck as it is now with the Edge/Attitude/Juice combo (that doesn't seem to be doing much) and then compare it to the new chip.

Are you really in Oakdale, CA (Cowboy Capitol of the West!)?
Isn't DP in Georgia?

 

Know exactly where that's at. Casa De Amigos?

Yep, spent my summer working at the Hershy's plant - My mom was the plant nurse there for almost 15 years.

Used to be a liquor store in town call K&H (I think) that also sold guns. One day I bought a 12ga and a half gallon of JD - Just to do it, no waiting period back then, right over the counter. Still have the shotgun! Also used to hang out at the H-B and a place called Chris' Corral!!! LONG time ago when Oakdale had one stop light. Spent a lot of summertime floating down the river and chasing girls down by a rope swing off a cliff that the US Army Corp cut down when they built there park down the road!!!

Anyway, Getting really off topic but I really appreciate the help and advice that I have gotten from you and Diane. She has me ready to order up some 175/80s after I get my other stuff in and get the dyno set up.

Lunch is on me when I roll through town...

 

H-B is still very much alive and rolling. I can't say that I haven't had my fair share of fun there :lookaround:

All of the other stuff mentioned is gone with the wind. Oakdale has changed tremendously in the past decade. The Hershey plant isn't even here anymore.

Anyway, fftopic.

Feel free to contact me whenever, and don't forget to holler at me when you are in town. I am sure Diane and Jody wouldn't mind if I left work for a bit to meet up with a customer for a business associated lunch LOL