Best Upgrade For Your 7.3 Powerstroke: PHP Hydra

[@BillCohron]

Bill from PHP here. Just wanted to say, great video! Just one thing I would add... The brass brush is really important to utilize when cleaning the PCM connector (J3 port). The reason we provided it is so that the silicone can be completely removed, including between the contacts, without removing the tinning from the terminals. The brass is soft and will not damage the terminals. We only use the Scotch Brite pads for a very light polish after all the silicone is removed. Other than that, awesome video!

[@LivingOnWheels]

I appreciate the comment and input! Have had your product on all of my 7.3s to date and have been very happy with it. Definitely the best option on the market for tuning these old beasts. I’ve always found that using a small tool to get between the terminals helps a lot. Gets the bulk of it and leaves the silicone on terminals as the high point to clean off. That being said, it makes sense that the brass is softer than the tinning.

[@shermanwilliamson9058]

Glad to have you back working on the 7.3. You have been a solid resource for a majority of my projects. Keep it coming.

[@tyh4969]

7 threes are a blessing in todays truck world, love my 01 6 speed

[@robertkwiatkoski1292]

Have you tuned your truck? I have a manual also. I bought a tuner and they put it on economy and it's lacking power. Thank you.

[@davidgleason6400]

Joe…so happy your back on the 7.3 content. Well…as luck would have it, my hard start issue went a bit deeper than the glow plug relay…but I already had the glow plugs, valve cover gaskets & wiring harnesses in preparation of the needed repairs. A big job to do in my driveway…but she fires right up with no smoke and without being plugged in. 186K mileage and 23 years…not too bad for longevity! Keep the videos coming…take care and God bless, Dave.

[@LivingOnWheels]

Definitely a full job to do. Glad to hear its running top notch again!

[@josephcirelli9642]

Glad to see you back working on the 7.3. I remember all the mods you did on the other 7.3. Looking forward to seeing more videos!

[@ThreeOhTwoBOSS]

Glad to have you back driving a 7.3!

[@truckerken4088]

Could you please show us how you downloaded the tunes to the chip

[@chrismcdonald4819]

Thanks for getting back to the 7.3 platform!

[@TheFordGuy78]

Great video showing how to get some awesome performance in these trucks for the average person! Keep it up!

[@LivingOnWheels]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@billgardner9328]

My stock 7.3 had to down shift on freeway overpasses towing my 5th wheel. Installed a chip and WOW ! Towing up the grapevine (I-5) it was like someone’s built truck. All it really has cost me was more fuel used.

[@LivingOnWheels]

It’s crazy how big of a difference it makes!

[@TravelingKory]

Great endorsement! We recently bought a one owner '02 F250 7.3 with 118k miles to tow our dry weight 10.2k fifth wheel with. Not a daily. Definitely considering a Hydra for towing purposes. Appreciate you sharing your experience! 👍

[@bigfoot7.350]

So happy your getting the new 7.3 upgraded. Would love to see a video on how to download the tunes!! Keep up the great work! I always learn so much from your videos!

[@billbart9933]

Great video. Would like to add that both sides of the PCM connection tab should be cleaned, and to make sure the piece of metal in the PCM black holding unit is still in place when reinstalling, it grounds the computer case when one of the two securing bolts are installed in the cab.

[@davidmcnerney3048]

I still have a hydra from the fist year of production in my obs with Gearhead tuning.

[@Anthonyz19]

Picking up a 250 super duty. Great video will be definately using your advise.

[@shaunabell77]

I cleaned mine well (I thought) and it would do everything (lit up, NS wouldn't start, etc) but impact performance. Took it out (again) and used a magnifier / two bright lights to inspect contacts. Brushed, etc again then cleaned with 90% Isopropyl Alcohol. Now, wow - what a game changer! BTW, tech support at PHP is amazing.

[@javierpulido1806]

My first truck is a 2001 f250 7.3 so im kinda new to the truck world and i couldnt really find alot of videos about working on 7.3s but i came across your channel and thank god, keep up the content man, i a huge supporter 👌🏻

[@RodneySteele-vh6mx]

Would love a vid on downloading tunes

[@freedomisntfree5573]

I love my php tunes for my stock motor. Because of your old truck video. Im doing 160cc and kc 300sx stage 1. Loading up the camper,hooking up the xj, and hitting the highways in retirement.

[@LivingOnWheels]

It’s a great combo. I was very happy with it!

[@McCoy_Judd]

Back in the day I ran a ts Tony wildman chip, a dpbtuner then a hydra. 2010-2019. Just purchased another 7.3 in September that has a dp tuner already installed...... just ordered my second hydra. Only way to go in my opinion!! HAIL HYDRA

[@shaneriley7215]

Hydra made my truck a new truck it just feels so good to drive.. I ran 4 in turbo back straight pipe and upgrading to gauges and intercooler soon. It’s so nice to feel the power difference and how much better it is to drive. I don’t drive it like a sports car but I enjoy being able to get to speed smoother ..

[@LivingOnWheels]

It’s amazing how much difference even just mild tunes make.

[@markdavis8888]

I find it interesting looking at your adaptive braking system. I volunteer with the Oregon Adaptive Sport and obviously I know many people using these type of systems to get through life. You should see some of the wild tech used in our sit-skis. I just bought a 2000 F-450 7.3 4x4 with a pto dump bed and it turned over 50,000 on my way home from Spokane. This year I'm doing basic maintenance and next year I want to boost the power a little.

[@dax313xab]

As always , thanks for the content! You almost talked me into it. 😅 your correct. I'm intimidated by messing with the computer...

[@HansGieben]

I would really appreciate a video on how to download the stock tunes! Thanks kindly

[@WendyHunsaker-d9l]

Great tips!

[@silvergrizzly316]

Yeah Joe, I'm thinking about getting one of these PHP Hydra tunes for my truck. I still use the Diablo Sport I got back in 2006 lol, but it still does fine. And could you sometime make a video on downloading the tunes for that Hydra, I'm not really that computer savvy😄it's easier for me to learn from watching someone else. Lol, Thanks for sharing your knowledge my friend. Jay. 👍👍

[@lewisking567]

I would like to see the tunes download process at sometime thanks

[@jenjenhope]

Thank you so much!

[@timoduane4717]

I would like to see a video on downloading tunes

[@ruffnarbobnar5960]

Subbed and liked. keep the content comin brother

[@LivingOnWheels]

Good to have yah!

[@bradleybraaten112]

Joe, are you doing meet ups yet? I think you said a few years ago that eventually you’d like to start meeting up w other 7.3 L owners. It would be cool to show you my truck

[@tedenderpal1299]

I have a Hydra turner, can’t get tunes legal in California.

[@tedenderpal1299]

Please show how tunes are downloaded.

[@behrooznegahdauree4078]

hi , I need the three good pipes for hdpe , my truck only has two off them , where are your pipes selection?

[@danmartin6696]

Great video man, thanks! Have you ever put one on a bone stock manual 7.3 and had good results with just the standard tunes?

[@LivingOnWheels]

Put one of them on my buddies stock manual. Still makes a big improvement

[@danmartin6696]

@LivingOnWheels awesome, thanks!

[@theezeelife292]

Great video. Would love to see a video downloading the tunes. Just one question: I've heard people say you have to scrape the silicone from both sides of the connection pins. Is there any truth to this?

[@LivingOnWheels]

I think what people are referring to is the top and bottom and yes you do have to do both sides.

[@alexdepaz140]

Please show us how to download the tunes, please, and question my truck has a bigger turbo. I'm not sure if the injectors have been replaced. But I think if the turbo was replaced would be ok to assume that also injectors were replaced

[@LOWKEYDANGER]

What I like most about the 7.3l is the torque at idle compared to my 5.9l Cummins the 7.3l just takes off when I let off the brake the truck drives itself up small inclines even

[@LivingOnWheels]

That is interesting because when I bought my 5.9 common rail a few years back the first thing I noticed was that it felt like it had way more low end torque than the 7.3

[@LOWKEYDANGER]

@@LivingOnWheels I agree and what I'm saying is before I touch the gas pedal the truck on flat land will even shift into second before any throttle input due to the massive rotating mass of the V8 but when I give throttle to a ppump or common rain 5.9l it's like the torque comes on like a spring popping out of a box both are torque monster especially the Cummins engines but damn that 7.3l just goes as soon as I let off the brake it's nice for everyday driving

[@winmosser]

Any thoughts on using some dielectric grease on the chip connection to make up for the removed coating?

[@LivingOnWheels]

I don't think its a good idea because this doesnt' have individual slots for each pin. I would be worried about possibly shorting between the terminals.

[@jessejames1395]

What year 7.3 did you purchase this time? I went with a 2000 so that I got the bigger intake then 99 and I still have the forged rods on the bottom-end that went away in 2001

[@LivingOnWheels]

It’s a 99 with the L99 engine. So basically the same as yours.

[@jessejames1395]

@@LivingOnWheels sweet. What headlights did you upgrade to?

[@jessejames1395]

@@LivingOnWheels I’ve got a T500 hpop, S&B cold air intake, Mishimoto 37 row trans cooler, built trans, hydra chip, EPV valve delete with new pedestal,4.56 gears with 37 inch tires, next is the KC stage 2 turbo and injector upgrade and fuel system upgrade

[@JamesJohnson-jr1hh]

What type of in town gas mileage are you getting; I have a 2001 and is getting around 12-13 in town and 17-18 on highway

[@LivingOnWheels]

I actually don’t know yet. I haven’t had a clean tank to calculate.

[@OutFishedTv]

What happened to the old rig ?

[@LivingOnWheels]

Sold it

[@OutFishedTv]

@@LivingOnWheels I can’t wait to see your php hydra driving video I know it will convince me to buy a hydra right after the video

[@shuggashane13]

updates and opinion?

[@LivingOnWheels]

So far it has been just as great as I expected. Huge improvement over stock.

[@frankvacanti5277]

A little heat goes along way when cleaning the silicone. I used my micro torch and the back and corner of the wire brush provided.worked for me but i done 3 in the past no heat. With heat silicone peeled right off.Got to be very carefull with the torch though.just warm the silicone

[@LivingOnWheels]

Never thought about that but makes sense.