Understand the price point, just add $100 to the Quadzilla and get the Hydra Tuner, it gives me the options of changing the programming at any point in time, not stuck with something that has to go back to the factory.

I have changed the programming 3 times since I first installed it

Hydra Help

that image came from the Quadzilla page you referenced

 

Look what you get, for that measly $100 more.

HYDRA TUNES LOADED 3/15/2023​

00 – STOCK
01 – HIGH IDLE -- 1000 RPM
02 – WHISPER MODE
06 – 65 HP DAILY DRIVER - suggested by Hydra for me
07 – 65 HP 8-10K LBS TOWING our Toy Hauler
08 – 80 HP DAILY DRIVER - Faster throttle, good Economy
10 – 25 HP HEAVY TOWING 12,500 LBS – prevents high EGTs
14 – Valet 25 mph max

the above is how I last programmed my Hydra Tuner...
below is what you can chose from.
the 25hp towing mode, will prevent EGTs from going too high if you are heavy and need to climb a steep hill, then switch back to another mode at the top of the hill and continue on.




Factory Settings --
Examples of calibrations available through HydraFlash software:

Teen Driver ™ 75mph	Locks the speed limiter at 75 mph
Teen Driver ™ 65mph	Locks the speed limiter at 65mph
Valet Mode 45 mph
Valet Mode 35 mph
Valet Mode 25 mph	Lowers the speed limiter
Whisper Mode ™	Hit the drive-thru and place your order or do your banking without having to shut off your truck
Anti-Theft	Causes a "Dead Pedal" so vehicle will idle, but is not driveable
High Idle - 1,200rpm
High Idle - 1,100rpm
High Idle - 1,000rpm	Ideal for PTO operation or for faster warm-ups. We do not recommend exceeding 1,200rpm for safety reasons.
140hp Extreme * ‡	This is as big as it gets! (On stock injectors, anyway)
120hp Race *
100hp Race *	Play time! Offers a more aggressive fuel curve for improved low RPM response and top end power
100hp Performance *
80hp Performance
65hp Performance	A little more aggressive than a Daily Driver while still maintaining manageable smoke output
80hp Daily Driver
65hp Daily Driver
40hp Daily Driver	Good for all-around daily driving and economy
65hp Fuel Sippper	When the focus is strictly on fuel economy, early shifts to help keep RPMs low
80hp Light Tow	Up to 7,500 pounds
65hp Moderate Tow	7,500 - 10,000 pounds
40hp Heavy Tow	10,000 -12,500 pounds
25hp Extremely Heavy Tow	12,500+ pounds
0 HP Modified Stock	Useful for diagnostic testing purposes
0 HP Stock	Factory stock calibration with no modifications

* Due to injector size limitations, stock 1994½ to 1997 trucks will only have calibrations available up to 80HP. Early 1999 can go up to 100HP.


‡ The 140X tune is not recommended on Late 2001 to 2003 vehicles with stock injectors because they have Powdered Metal Connecting Rods.


Note: This product is designed for the 1994½ to 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel trucks. It will not work on earlier 7.3L IDI powered trucks, including the early 1994 "Turbo Diesel" IDI. If you have any questions about which engine you have, please contact Power Hungry Performance or your preferred dealer for more information.

 

Look what you get, for that measly $100 more.

HYDRA TUNES LOADED 3/15/2023​

00 – STOCK
01 – HIGH IDLE -- 1000 RPM
02 – WHISPER MODE
06 – 65 HP DAILY DRIVER - suggested by Hydra for me
07 – 65 HP 8-10K LBS TOWING our Toy Hauler
08 – 80 HP DAILY DRIVER - Faster throttle, good Economy
10 – 25 HP HEAVY TOWING 12,500 LBS – prevents high EGTs
14 – Valet 25 mph max

the above is how I last programmed my Hydra Tuner...
below is what you can chose from.
the 25hp towing mode, will prevent EGTs from going too high if you are heavy and need to climb a steep hill, then switch back to another mode at the top of the hill and continue on.




Factory Settings --
Examples of calibrations available through HydraFlash software:

0 HP Stock	Factory stock calibration with no modifications
0 HP Modified Stock	Useful for diagnostic testing purposes
25hp Extremely Heavy Tow	12,500+ pounds
40hp Heavy Tow	10,000 -12,500 pounds
65hp Moderate Tow	7,500 - 10,000 pounds
80hp Light Tow	Up to 7,500 pounds
65hp Fuel Sippper	When the focus is strictly on fuel economy, early shifts to help keep RPMs low
40hp Daily Driver	Good for all-around daily driving and economy
65hp Daily Driver
80hp Daily Driver
65hp Performance	A little more aggressive than a Daily Driver while still maintaining manageable smoke output
80hp Performance
100hp Performance *
100hp Race *	Play time! Offers a more aggressive fuel curve for improved low RPM response and top end power
120hp Race *
140hp Extreme * ‡	This is as big as it gets! (On stock injectors, anyway)
High Idle - 1,000rpm	Ideal for PTO operation or for faster warm-ups. We do not recommend exceeding 1,200rpm for safety reasons.
High Idle - 1,100rpm
High Idle - 1,200rpm
Anti-Theft	Causes a "Dead Pedal" so vehicle will idle, but is not driveable
Whisper Mode ™	Hit the drive-thru and place your order or do your banking without having to shut off your truck
Valet Mode 25 mph	Lowers the speed limiter
Valet Mode 35 mph
Valet Mode 45 mph
Teen Driver ™ 65mph	Locks the speed limiter at 65mph
Teen Driver ™ 75mph	Locks the speed limiter at 75 mph

* Due to injector size limitations, stock 1994½ to 1997 trucks will only have calibrations available up to 80HP. Early 1999 can go up to 100HP.


‡ The 140X tune is not recommended on Late 2001 to 2003 vehicles with stock injectors because they have Powdered Metal Connecting Rods.


Note: This product is designed for the 1994½ to 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel trucks. It will not work on earlier 7.3L IDI powered trucks, including the early 1994 "Turbo Diesel" IDI. If you have any questions about which engine you have, please contact Power Hungry Performance or your preferred dealer for more information.

I've had a DP tuner for a decade now without problems. One thing it has that I don't see in the list you posted is the "NO START" position. With the DP tuner in that position the truck will continue to run but once shut off it won't restart. It'll crank but won't fire off. It's a great anti-theft. I normally run on the 20 h.p. tow mode. I've had it on the 80 h.p. economy mode and accidently let the wife drive it on a trip and she loved it; thought it moved like a sports car. Oppps.
Another opinion it had was a make believe exhaust brake. It fooled the computer in to thinking the engine was cold and kept a butterfly valve closed on the exhaust. "Had" in the last sentence is because I went to a Banks exhaust brake and didn't need it anymore. BTW the Banks brake wasn't very good, as everytime I tried to use it the little Banks computer took a dump and I'd have to have Banks reprogram it. After 3 times I had them set it up that anytime the switch was on the exhaust brake was on. By adding a throttle switch that fed power to it when the throttle was closed it works every time. Just don't set the cruise control with the exhaust brake on too. LOTS of black smoke!!!!!

 

I am with John. The Hydra, though more expensive, is much more versatile and user friendly. I highly suggest it over any of the other choices. If you are interested in one, or have any questions about it, just let me know.

 

One comment:
when I talked with PHP,
they told me to NOT to use Fuel Sipper mode.

with the Excursion specifically, I do NOT recall if it effects other truck models.

the exact reason, I now forget, but it chews up transmissions is the one single factor that I do remember them telling me.

when I used it for one trip, Fuel Sipper, emulated my Chevy Suburban driving habits....

e.g., super soft shifts, and very docile throttle, you had to "get into the throttle" to make it go.

 

Looking at the hydra it is nice and all but I'm just not sure Its worth the extra money for me right now, the extra tunes would be nice but I am seeing basically the same from these other chips and the quadzilla has a reflash adapter you can buy if you really wanted different tunes, maybe I am missing something here 🤣 I'm just thinking with that extra hundred bucks I could get a nice EGT sensor and gauge or upgrade my hpop oil lines, I'm basically just looking for something to spice up the daily driving and have some play modes,
Everyone does seem to like the hydra though,
If I was going to go that route that adds more options to the table and other brands, sct and edge to choose from

 

that $100 bucks is NOT going to buy you an EGT sensor, or any other Gauge.

I am 80 years young now, and if I have learned one thing in life, is that "if I chose the best", then 3 months from now, I won't even remember the price I paid for "the best".

BUT, I will thoroughly enjoy using "the best"
and I have NEVER regretted choosing "the best"

Example:
last night, I left my truck at a shop for E-break repairs.
I set the Hydra on 00, or Stock Mode,
I did NOT want someone romping the throttle to see how fast the truck will run.

Looking back now, I should have set it for Valet mode, 25 mph.

 

Oh come on now on the gauges 🤣 I scoured the net till I found a nice mechanical boost gauge and a steering column trim piece to hold it, together about 70 bucks, I wanted a true mechanical gauge
And the EGT sensor I found a decent looking one for 140

https://a.co/d/6UiCQwc

https://a.co/d/99tpDMK

2 Inch Mechanical Boost Gauge 0 - 30 PSI Black / Aluminum Bezel CP7025 https://www.walmart.com/ip/138330470

I don't have the money to spend on the Pilar gauge setup I really want right now, I just got this truck 2 weeks ago, I'm just trying to make this thing a little more fun to drive and have the basic necessities for now and hopefully down the road a little ways I can get the nicer stuff I really want, exhaust, tires and wheels, fancy gauge setup etc

 

dude anything you get from walmart is going to be hot garbage. you need real gauges that are accurate and can be trusted. you want to tune your truck and trust it to garbage from wallmart?

 

Ask yourself, with any other option then the hydra. Can you load your own tunes from your computer, are the tunes as good, do you have the option(without sending it in to be reburnt) to get custom tune files and have shift points etc tweaked if needed or desired. How many tuners even offer tunes for these other platforms anymore? Ask about anyone anywhere what the best option is and the Hydra is the answer. It is the go to product for tuning these trucks, and it has the best support.

 

Wanting to do some basic gauges is a very good idea.
I suggest trying to do things with the best parts right away(especially tuning), or maybe waiting until budget allows for it. Otherwise people generally end up doing things twice, which is more expensive and frustrating.
I would be glad to take some time to talk on the phone and go over options and benefits or cons of some of the products, if you would be interested.
www.cncfab.us

 

You guys have certainly given me a lot to think about here, and I know you are right it would be worth the extra 100 for it my mind says yes and my wallet says no 🤣🤣🤣 are the tunes it comes with good ones ? I don't want to have to buy this and turn around and buy more tunes right out the box

 

Also can you recommend a good setting for daily driving for more power, fuel economy is not too big a deal currently I only live about 7 miles from work

 

I find any of the basic daily or tow, or even performance tunes have similar mpg. mpg is very much related to the overall health of your truck, and your right foot habits.
It is too bad this wasnt an earlier discussion. the Hydra just recently went up 50 bucks in price(making it the current 399price).

More of an overview of how to install and use the hydra can be found at hydrahelp.com

If you would order one and prefer, we could also pre load a variety of the most useful tunes on one for you.

 

I purchased a PHP hydra from CNC fab. Would recommend to any 7.3 owner. Love the tunes and the service at CNC is top notch!

 

Now as for tunes I'm thinking,
Fast idle,
65
80
100
140

 

Now as for tunes I'm thinking,
Fast idle,
65
80
100
140

I would suggest something like tow tunes in the 25-40-65-80hp flavors
then performance 65-80-100 flavors
the daily 40-65-80hp flavors
Fuel sipper
High idle
stock/modified stock

That is the beauty, these things hold an additional 15 tunes on top of the no start and chip bypass settings that are permanently on them

 

The Hydra is worth the price difference, I personally run the 65 Hp DD tune, have a 40 and 25 tow tune, high idle, and the 120 race tune for fun. I had **** luck with the fuel supper tune on my F350. The truck ran like crap compared to the 65 HP DD tune.

 

The Hydra is worth the price difference, I personally run the 65 Hp DD tune, have a 40 and 25 tow tune, high idle, and the 120 race tune for fun. I had **** luck with the fuel supper tune on my F350. The truck ran like crap compared to the 65 HP DD tune.

yup,
as I mentioned earlier, the Fuel Sipper is a dumb sh*t tune, if you use it enough, IMO you will be working on the Transmission.
as I also said, PHP told me to get rid of Fuel Sipper

in the interest of keeping my Excursion "near stock" and long life, I am playing the tunes cautiously. 65DD is my favorite tune.
I included the 25hp heavy tow so that if I hit a 10% grade with the 9k lb Toy Hauler I can avoid high EGTs w/o worrying about it.

the CTS-3 with EGT probe will help me with that also.

PHP has enough 'Free Tunes' to keep the Hydra the best and "cheapest" in the long run.

 

I use some of the tow tunes in the winter to keep the truck from going into 4th gear to help warm the the transmission fluid. Even with the Derale thermostat mod it still takes a while for me to hit 150 degrees.

If you do get the Hydra, I ordered mine from CNCfab and it was a great experience

 

Now that is a smart idea...
I have had to make two trips to town during the week we had 28*F highs and 10* or lower lows....

I let it idle until it hit high idle by itself, and then moved out onto the highway, and jingerly brought it up to 40 mph, to keep from pushing that cold 15w40 engine oil too hard.

at 18 miles, I was at the doctor's office, and the engine temp was not up to normal yet.... I had set the cruise on 50 mph... I always leave myself lots of time for appointments.

 

Old boy in West Virginia told me:

“Son, don’t turn this thing into a race car.”

 

Socket said:

I use some of the tow tunes in the winter to keep the truck from going into 4th gear to help warm the the transmission fluid.

Easier than that, just put the shift lever in 3rd and go on.
it will never get to OD

 

Trying to decide between 2 different chips

Easier than that, just put the shift lever in 3rd and go on.
it will never get to OD

With the od off button engaged, most aftermarket tuning will lock the converter sooner, which will not aid in the transmission coming up to temp(at least my tuning does this lol) with a tow tune and just having it in D, it should hold 3rd longer and the strategy will keep the converter unlocked more until it comes up closer to 100* trans temp, the unlocked converter aids in faster fluid warmup. Again this is at least what I have found with my truck, and understand, I don't write tuning, so I can only go off observation.

 

Every hydra comes with no start (NS) in the last selection position, likewise in the first slot is 00 which is bypass so the original pcm tuning is utilized.
Note, that with either of these, once the selection to the position is done and the display blinks, the key must be cycled off and the display go off before the no start or bypass take effect. Do not switch to these positions with engine running.

Another fact, the hydra controller display brightness is controllable by pressing and holding the up or down selection buttons for a few seconds.

 

I have trouble getting the Hydra switch to take effect.

I have "found" that IF a button is held down until the display changes, it will then let me click, click, click to a new setting.

just reaching over, and press the button once, does nothing,
press it twice, does nothing,
3 times, 4 times, nothing.

must be held down, or it won't take effect.
that is my 02 cents worth

so, trying to make it change, while driving, is near impossible, because I would have to take my eyes off the road to know it changed.

so, I always stop, make the change, and then go.

 

Thats odd. I have never seen one function like that. Should be one press and tune changes 1 position and if held the display dims.

 

How close to the performance of a stock 6.0 does the 7.3 with the Hydra chip come? Does it also help the earlier N/A version of the 7.3?

I sure wish something like this had been available back when I had the various 7.3 models. Maybe it was...I seem to remember I had some sort of chip on one or two of the trucks but that was back in the cowboys and Indians days of diesel trucks and chips / tuners.

 

The 7. 3 tuning options(and knowledge) have most certainly improved since the early days. As far as how close to a stock 6.0, well that may be a touchy very opinionated thing to answer for most people. I cannot give you a great answer due to the fact that I have little time behind the wheel of a 6.0 and very little time behind a stock anything(other then my minivan) I can tell you that a well tuned, minimally modified 7.3 is a pleasurable truck to drive compared to bone stock, and by the time it is modified to efficiently run at 375-400rwhp, most people can agree that it is a super capable and fun truck!
I just stuck a set of our 200/30 hybrids in my truck and fired it up yesterday. Boy did that wake it up from the stock AD splits🤩

 

The only thing that the Hydra doesn’t have in their factory tune list that DP-tuner can give is the exhaust brake tune. I’m sure one of the many customer tuners for the Hydra could make one if one wanted to go that way.

 

the 65hp DD gives me 14 seconds from 0-55

80hp DD is really aggressive, I don't think any of us should run a tune that allows black smoke, period.

that is what makes the Public angry with diesels.
be nice is my motto

 

you mean i cant smog out a prius, bahahahahaha, i have to do some driving tomorrow and figure out where it works best for me, the 80 was just what i found so far that seemed nice

 

Have fun, stay safe, don't make the wrong people mad