Best Chip for 7.3 Powerstroke: 5 Top Choices for 2021

Your Ford truck is capable of so much more than you can imagine. All that you need to do is unlock the potential of this diesel engine. This can be done with the best chip for 7.3 Powerstroke engines or with the help of a tuner.

However, there are many models on the market that aren’t worth their cost. To help you navigate the selection, we are looking at the top Powerstroke performers that will help you achieve your goals. We review the chips that go into your engine computer and the tuners that can be plugged into the OBDII port. Whatever your budget is, you will find the performance boost you need in our Powerstroke chip reviews.

What is a 7.3 Powerstroke Chip?

The performance chip has become a generic way of describing performance programmers, tuners and modules that enhance the engine performance. Many of the newer models plug right into the OBDII port, located under the dash. These devices flash the ECM, which acts as an onboard computer.

However, some models must be plugged into the sensors under the hood in order to change the factory signals. Some other models will completely replace the computer. Whichever option you choose, the 7.3 Powerstroke tuner is sure to give you more power and make the ride more enjoyable.

Benefits of the Best Tuner for 7.3 Engines

Why do you want to find the best 7.3 tuner? Here are a few advantages that performance chips offer.

1. Increased Horsepower

The chip will unlock the power potential of your truck engine. Each model boosts the horsepower a different amount, but you could easily gain another 50 or 75 horsepower from your Powerstroke engine.

2. Improves Fuel Consumption

As you tune the engine to work more efficiently, you might notice an increase in how far you can travel on a tank of fuel. In a short time, the engine tuner will pay for itself.

3. Better Transition

After the installation of a 7.3 Powerstroke chip, you should experience smoother gear shifts, especially in the mid-range.

4. Real-Time Data

Some of the best 7.3 Powerstroke tuners also provide real-time data into the health of the engine. With this information at the tip of your fingers, you know if there’s trouble before it becomes a bigger problem.

7.3 Powerstroke Performance Chip Buying Guide: What to Look For

As you search for a 7.3 Powerstroke chip, you want to consider these factors.

Compatibility

Not every 7.3 tuner is designed to work with each Ford SuperDuty truck. You need to make sure that the chip is meant to work with your model year 7.3 Powerstroke.

Ease of Installation

Many of today’s tuners simply plug into your truck’s OBDII port. However, the engine chips themselves need to be plugged into the ECM, which might require the help of a mechanic.

Available Power Levels

You don’t have to choose a tuner with a lot of customizable options. Instead, look for a simple-to-use pre-set tuner that gives you various power options. Plus, these models allow you to revert back to factory settings easily.

Storage Availability

If you prefer creating your own custom tune, you want storage to save them for retrieval later. Some of the better tuners offer room for about ten custom files, allowing you to easily pull up the performance you desire when you want it.

Download Time

When you first install the tuner, it can take a while for the updates to go into effect. Check into how long these setting changes will take and choose one that operates quickly.

Size of Monitor

There are small screens for a compact fit in your truck, but if you prefer to view real-time information, you will want a big screen. There are also some models that contain color displays or touchscreen compatibility to add versatility. You will also want the mounting hardware included, or you will have an additional expense to contend with.

Best 7.3 Powerstroke Chip: Our Top 5 Choices

1. 7.3 TS Chip Review: Best 7.3 Chip

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Nothing can quite compare to TS performance and you can experience it all with this TS chip for 7.3 Powerstroke engines. The TS 7.3 chip doesn’t take long to install, making it more likely that you can accomplish the task on your own.

With these 7.3 Powerstroke performance upgrades, you also gain access to smoother shifting and a boost in horsepower. Choose between 6 tuning options, including Stock and High Idle. There are also various horsepower settings ranging from 50 to 140.

To get started, you will have to tell the manufacturer what truck you drive so they can program the 7.3 Powerstroke TS chip. Additionally, there is no screen, so you don’t have access to any real-time data as you would with some of the best tuners. However, there is a lifetime warranty and the reviews show it’s a great tool for getting more 7.3 Powerstroke turbo boost.

Features:

• Compatible Ford Trucks: 1994-2003 7.3 Powerstroke
• Monitor: None
• Modes: 6
• Storage: 0
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Pros	Cons
Reasonable price	No monitor
Comes with programmed modes
Highly rated
Provides superior horsepower boost

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2. Superchip for 7.3 Powerstroke Review: Best for Fuel Management

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The 7.3 Superchip tuner is a top choice among enthusiasts, especially those looking for quick changes. This tuner allows for speedometer corrections, which is helpful after changing the tire size. It also allows you to adjust rev limiters or speed. You will love how quickly each change takes place.

What’s different about this unit is the fuel management control setting. You won’t find this option with a lot of other tuners. Plus, it features a high-def 2.8-inch color screen. At this size, the device is compact enough to use anywhere, but still easy enough to read.

Overall, you will find this to be a reasonably priced model, especially considering the 7.3 Powerstroke mpg upgrade you can expect. The company claims it will boost horsepower by up to 11.5 and torque by another 205 lb-ft. With a two-year warranty in place, you won’t have any worries.

Features:

• Compatible Ford Trucks: 1994-2003 7.3 Powerstroke
• Monitor: 2.8” Color (High-Definition)
• Modes: Custom
• Storage: 0
• Fuel Management Control

Pros	Cons
Increases horsepower and torque	Small monitor size
2-year warranty
Adjusts just about anything
Easy to use

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3. Edge Products 15001 Evolution Programmer Review: Top of the Line Option

Are you hoping for a 7.3 Powerstroke turbo upgrade or a 7.3 Powerstroke transmission upgrade? This handy device can do just about anything you are looking for. It will effectively boost the horsepower by up to 100 and increase torque by up to 200 lb-ft.

There are three power levels included, plus a scan tool that can read and erase trouble codes. You can mount this tuner directly to your dash and tweak the engine at will. With the included USB cable, you connect to the internet to get updates. There’s also an expansion system that allows access to additional boosting features, but not everyone wants to spend even more on this system.

With the five-inch color display, you get maximum visibility. Plus, the installation is a breeze. The company does provide a one-year warranty, further ensuring you get your money’s worth.

Features:

• Compatible Ford Trucks: 1994-2003 7.3 Powerstroke
• Monitor: 5” Color
• Modes: 3
• Storage: 0
• Reads and Erases Trouble Codes

Pros	Cons
Large color display	Expensive
Can be used as a code scanner
Provides maximum horsepower boost
Simple to mount on dashboard

4. TS Performance 1180401 Blank Chip Review: Most Reliable

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If you want a reliable option that gets installed directly into the engine, this TS Performance model is a top choice. There are eight settings included, such as High Idle, Anti-Theft and Valet. There are also various horsepower settings ranging from Stock to 140. Because the chip is blank, you will need to provide more information to the manufacturer when you order it.

However, this customization provides instant power that you don’t have to wait to experience. Whether you are using it to increase horsepower or firm up those shift points, the performance will blow you away. However, you might have trouble installing this unit yourself since it does slide into the engine computer.

If you want to save money at the pump, this performance chip can help as well. With a more efficient engine, your Powerstroke motor will run better. Plus, the company provides a limited lifetime warranty, so you never have anything to worry about. That’s a nice guarantee, especially when combined with the reasonable price.

Features:

• Compatible Ford Trucks: 1994-2003 7.3 Powerstroke
• Monitor: None
• Modes: 8
• Storage: 0
• Custom-Tailored for Your Truck

Pros	Cons
Reasonable price	No monitor
Many settings included	Installs into engine computer
Provides plenty of horsepower
Limited lifetime warranty

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5. Bully Dog 40420 Review: Best Display

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If you want a great display and plenty of customizable options, the Bully Dog is the way to go. Not only will it fit your 7.3 Powerstroke, but also a variety of other engines, which is useful if you own more than one vehicle. With better efficiency, you can expect some huge savings at the pump.

Plus, the heads-up display monitors 15 parameters at once. This design allows you to see how your truck is performing simply by looking at the LCD screen on your pillar, dash or window. There are also multiple preloaded settings or you can store up to ten of your own custom files for whatever performance upgrade you want to make.

Additionally, you won’t have a need for a code scanner any longer. This device not only reads the engine codes but also clears them after you make the repairs. However, all of these features come with a cost, so be prepared to spend a little more on the Bully Dog.

Features:

• Compatible Ford Trucks: 1994-2003 7.3 Powerstroke
• Monitor: 2.4”
• Modes: Multiple
• Storage: 10
• Monitors Condition of Engine

Pros	Cons
Highly rated	Expensive
Keeps user informed about truck condition
Allows for customization of just about anything
Reads and clears DTCs

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What is the Ford 7.3 Powerstroke Engine

When it comes to Powerstroke engines, the 7.3 is not the most advanced of the bunch. However, it is considered the most reliable. This engine is constructed from cast iron and suffers from very few problems. There are still two million of them on the road today. That’s why it is the preferred Powerstroke over the 6.7 and 6.0 variants.

However, the 7.3 Powerstroke engine is no longer found on newer Ford trucks. It was only installed in 1999-2003 Ford trucks, such as the Super Duty. It was also used in some of the vans that the automaker produced.

7.3 Performance Chip Vs. 7.3 Tuner

With options between a 7.3 Performance Chip or a 7.3 tuner, you have a lot to consider. The performance chip is going to be installed into the engine bay, which might require a trip to the shop. These aren’t easy to reprogram and are an older way of doing things. With the engine tuner, you gain more control over the settings and can alter the performance easily from your truck cabin.

Additionally, most performance chips don’t come with an in-cab monitor. There are no settings to change and you can’t gain access to real-time data, as you would with a high-end tuner. For these reasons, most Powerstroke owners are opting for the tuner over the chip when they desire more performance.

7.3 Powerstroke Engine Chip Installation

Before you install any tuner, it’s important to read the instructions that came with the product. If you are choosing a 7.3 Powerstroke tuner that plugs into the OBDII port of your truck, the instructions will be self-explanatory. Most of these devices include on-screen prompts walking you through what you need to do.

Otherwise, the 7.3 chip tuner is going to need professional installation into your engine. We highly recommend using a professional for this installation if you aren’t experienced with engine tuning. If you decide to do it yourself, follow along with this video that shows the complexity and skill required.

7.3 Engine Tuner FAQs

What are the 7.3 Powerstroke engine common issues?

The Ford 7.3 Powerstroke doesn’t have as many issues as some of the other models do. However, there have still been some 7.3 Powerstroke complaints worth noticing. Some users have dealt with electrical wire that melts, a turbocharger that leaks and trouble with the water pump. Additionally, the Powerstroke engine is known to overheat at times. Still, it is considered one of the most reliable variants ever made.

Can 7.3 engine chips void any warranties?

At this point, it’s unlikely that your Ford truck is covered by any warranties unless you have a special arrangement with the dealerships you purchased it from. With that said, the Magnuson Moss Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act ensures that aftermarket parts cannot void the warranty unless that component created the failure directly. To be safe, you want to choose a tuner that leaves behind no footprint and allows you to revert back to the stock settings before you take your truck for repairs.

Why do the TS 6 position chip 7.3 Powerstroke reviews matter?

It’s clear that we are big fans of the TS 6 position chip because it offers additional power to the back wheels. With six settings to choose from, you can simply turn the knob that’s mounted on your dash to make adjustments on the go.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve looked at the available 7.3 Powerstroke custom tunes, it’s time for you to decide what will work best for your engine. With a 7.3 turbo upgrade, you can get more power, or you might prefer adjusting the settings for additional fuel efficiency. Either way, it’s time for you to experience your Ford truck unlike ever before.

Here’s a summary of our top 5 picks: