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7.3 and 6.0 Owners - This is the Future of Tuning

7.3 and 6.0 Owners - This is the Future of Tuning

The Diesel Podcast May 01, 2026 64 min
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About this episode

The conversation centers on how 7.3 and 6.0 Power Stroke tuning is evolving from simple chip work into a much broader platform with phone control, faster datalogging, and new hardware. The guests also talk about why the 7.3 remains popular, what CARB compliance could unlock, and how extreme builds keep pushing the platform’s limits. Along the way, they touch on AI’s growing role in calibration and the need to bring younger people into diesel culture.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Concept

EPA

"...what he's pushing forward to try to get the industry the EPA and everything to move in a direction that's beneficial to everyone..."

The EPA is a U.S. agency that makes rules to limit pollution. If you tune a diesel, those rules can affect what changes are allowed and what the shop has to be careful about.

Topic

7 threes

"...I thought that would be that would be helpful being a shop owner or one of you know, your customers or someone just interested in seven threes to be around that sort of information..."

“7 threes” is a shorthand for BMW 7 Series cars. The speakers are talking about an owner event where people can learn from each other.

Concept

business development

"...it is again it's you know from a business development standpoint. It really provides a lot of useful information..."

Business development means helping a business grow by building connections and finding opportunities. It’s more than just selling parts—it’s also about how the shop runs and who it works with.

Concept

financial information

"...Working with your employees working with teams financial information. There's just so many aspects of what we do..."

They’re saying shop owners need to understand their money—like costs and profits—not just car parts. It helps the business stay healthy.

Car

seven three power strokes

"We were talking about seven three power strokes and I'd asked you how you got interested in I'm where it came from"

They’re talking about a Ford diesel engine called the 7.3L Power Stroke. People tune these engines a lot because they respond well to upgrades.

Term

tuning side

"You know, why you got interested in the tuning side? Why seven threes? What what drew you in in?"

Here, “tuning” means adjusting the truck’s computer settings. People do it to make the engine feel stronger and more responsive.

Company

power hundred performance

"And then what companies like like power hundred performance are bringing to the table with technology and"

They mention Power Hundred Performance as a company that makes tuning-related products. The idea is that their tools help you modify and control the truck’s performance.

Term

horsepower

"In my interest when I was younger was what's the highest horsepower? What's the biggest torque number?"

Horsepower is a way to describe how much “work” the engine can do. More horsepower usually means the truck can accelerate harder.

Term

quarter mile

"What's the biggest torque number? How fast is it going in a quarter mile?"

A quarter mile is a short drag-racing track length. It’s a common way to measure how fast a vehicle can accelerate.

Term

Medusa interface

"The one big product that this is specifically for the seven three. We finally released our Medusa interface"

The Medusa interface is a gadget that helps two tuning electronics work together. It’s meant to make it easier to control the tuning using a different screen or controller.

Brand

edge CTS 3

"Initially, it's just an interface that allows our Hydra to communicate with the edge CTS 3"

Edge CTS 3 is a screen/controller used to monitor and control tuning settings. In this setup, it becomes the place where you control the Hydra.

Term

Hydra

"Initially, it's just an interface that allows our Hydra to communicate with the edge CTS 3"

Hydra is the tuning controller/device they’re talking about. The Medusa interface helps you control Hydra using another controller.

Car

Cadillac CTS

"...hat allows our Hydra to communicate with the edge CTS 3 So you can control your Hydra right from your ..."

The Cadillac CTS is a luxury car in the mid-size sedan category. It has electronics and features that can connect to other systems. In the podcast, it’s likely being used as an example of how those vehicle systems can be controlled or communicated with.

Term

six positions

"It was configured originally for six positions So you're limited to using six positions."

They’re talking about how many preset settings the controller can store or switch between. In this case, the CTS 3 is limited to six presets.

Term

manual switch

"You can still put the other positions on the chip You just have to end up using the the manual switch"

When the controller can’t access all the settings, they use a separate manual switch. That switch lets you choose the extra modes yourself.

Term

Bluetooth

"The device itself is actually Bluetooth and USB capable So the next project that we're working on and this is strictly it'll just end up being a firmware update for the for the Medusa ... Bluetooth capability to it where You can pair it with your phone and then you can control"

Bluetooth is wireless communication between nearby devices. In this case, it lets your phone talk to the tuning device without plugging in.

Term

USB capable

"The device itself is actually Bluetooth and USB capable So the next project that we're working on and this is strictly it'll just end up being a firmware update for the for the Medusa ... Stage three is The device also being USB capable. We will eventually ship a USB cable"

“USB capable” means it can connect using a USB cable. They’re saying you’ll be able to plug it in for updates and data, not just use wireless.

Term

firmware update

"So the next project that we're working on and this is strictly it'll just end up being a firmware update for the for the Medusa we will add Bluetooth capability to it ... With a firmware change on the Hydra"

A firmware update is like updating the device’s built-in software. It can add new features—here, they’re using it to enable Bluetooth control and improve how the device can be programmed.

Term

high-speed read the data

"Will also be able to high-speed read the data"

This means the device can pull live data faster. The hosts are suggesting USB will make data monitoring quicker than before.

Term

RPM

"[493.4s] RPM engine temp [497.7s] Timing you know all the parameters that you would normally get over the sloj 1850 bus"

RPM tells you how fast the engine is spinning. When tuning, RPM is important because the engine behaves differently at different speeds.

Term

sloj 1850 bus

"[497.7s] Timing you know all the parameters that you would normally get over the sloj 1850 bus [502.7s] we'll go right through the Medusa right to your phone and"

Cars use internal communication “networks” to share sensor data. The point here is that the older bus they’re comparing against can’t send as much data as their newer setup.

Term

samples a second

"[506.3s] We're talking about thousands of samples a second versus 20 samples a second [511.0s] So this is all stuff. We wanted to get the product out there get people aware of it"

This is how often the device checks the engine data each second. Checking more often can make the information smoother and more useful while tuning.

Term

Cyclops

"[591.0s] So people people [592.5s] Well considering that we had made a price a product like this [596.6s] When the hydro first came out we had a little device called called Cyclops [601.7s] And"

Cyclops is an older gadget they previously made. They’re mentioning it to show how their tuning hardware has progressed over time.

Brand

DP tuner

"R chip it worked on the TS chip it worked on Moats chip which DP tuner cells stuff like that"

DP Tuner sounds like a company or product line that makes tuning gear for diesel trucks. They’re part of the ecosystem of devices people use to change engine behavior.

Term

R chip

"R chip it worked on the TS chip it worked on Moats chip which DP tuner cells stuff like that"

In diesel tuning, a “chip” is a device that changes how the engine computer runs the engine. It can adjust things like fueling and boost to change how the truck drives.

Term

TS chip

"R chip it worked on the TS chip it worked on Moats chip which DP tuner cells stuff like that"

This sounds like another tuning “chip,” meaning a device that helps the engine computer run differently for more power or different drivability.

Term

Summit 7 3

"the people who Were at Summit 7 3 and got the preview of it. Those are most of the people that bought it"

This sounds like a truck/diesel event where they showed a preview of their product. People who attended were the ones who bought it quickly.

Term

stages

"I Think being able to bring it in stages too. It really helps the the functionality or the options that someone would have as a truck owner."

They’re saying the product can be rolled out in steps instead of everything at once. That can let truck owners start using it sooner and add more features later.

Car

Ford Edge

"... truck owner. I know a lot of them will have The edge CTS 3 already But like I just did an episode wit..."

The Ford Edge is a crossover SUV, meaning it’s built for normal daily driving with extra space. The podcast mentions it because people may use add-on tuning or monitoring devices on it. That’s why it comes up in a conversation about compatibility with certain vehicle systems.

Term

fast connect

"they have fast connect which allows People to monitor their fast fuel systems with an app on their phone"

Fast Connect is an app-based feature that lets you check on your fuel system from your phone. It’s basically remote monitoring for an aftermarket setup.

Term

injector

"Like data logging or the information you're able to process where if you have an injector change or something or [735.4s] You know your tuners halfway across the country or all the way across the country"

An injector is the part that sprays fuel into the engine. If you replace injectors, the tune may need updates so the engine still gets the right amount of fuel at the right time.

Term

data logging

"Like data logging or the information you're able to process where if you have an injector change or something or [735.4s] You know your tuners halfway across the country or all the way across the country"

Data logging means saving lots of sensor readings while the car or truck is running. Tuners look at those saved numbers to see what’s really happening and then make the tune better.

Term

start of injection

"but one of the big problems that we've always had with tuning the 7 3 is [747.7s] There is no start of injection pit. There's nothing that tells you what the timing is on your truck [759.3s] so"

Start of injection is when the engine starts squirting fuel into the cylinders. If it happens too early or too late, the engine can make less power or run roughly.

Term

timing

"There's nothing that tells you what the timing is on your truck [759.3s] so [761.3s] When you're tuning you're putting a lot of faith in what the software is capable of doing but you don't have any real output [766.5s] I can't look at it say I'm at 23 degrees or 28 degrees or 50 degrees or you know"

Timing is about when the engine injects fuel during each engine cycle. Changing it can make the engine run smoother and stronger, but the wrong timing can be harmful.

Term

ICP pulse

"You can see small glitches anything you can see if an ejector is not firing because you can actually see a change in the ICP pulse [813.9s] where it didn't actually dump into an injector or"

ICP pulse is a fast-changing sensor signal that shows what the high-pressure fuel system is doing. If the injector doesn’t fire correctly, the pressure signal pattern will look different.

Term

cracked nozzle

"where it didn't actually dump into an injector or [818.5s] You could probably even picked up an injector with a cracked nozzle [821.7s] But watching a huge ICP drop because there's no resistance behind"

A cracked nozzle is damage at the injector tip. It can change how the fuel sprays, which can make the engine run worse and may be detectable through diagnostics.

Term

ICP drop

"[821.7s] But watching a huge ICP drop because there's no resistance behind [827.3s] The injector so the diagnostics capability of something that can pull data that fast is"

An ICP drop means the high-pressure fuel pressure suddenly falls. If it drops too much during injection, it can indicate the injector isn’t working correctly.

Term

EFI live

"Was the head of six seven Cummins and in prior to EFI live there was products you could have but you didn't as an end user"

EFI Live is a tool used to tune and troubleshoot diesel engines. It can read what the engine is doing (like sensor readings) and help diagnose problems.

Term

rail pressure

"They could see what my rail pressure was doing what my right all these different things"

Rail pressure is how hard the fuel system is pushing fuel to the engine. If it’s too low or unstable, the engine can run poorly, so tuners watch it closely.

Term

diagnostic standpoint

"You can again, you know from a diagnostic standpoint, you can see if something's wrong the more samples you get"

From a diagnostic standpoint means “figuring out the cause” of a problem using evidence. Taking more readings helps you pinpoint what part is acting up.

Term

OBD

"So I have tools that I can actually pull timing from the from the OBD to port and I can pull data pretty quickly"

OBD is the car’s self-monitoring system. It lets tools plug in and read sensor/engine information through the car’s diagnostic port.

Term

injection pulse width

"If you can real-time log your RPM and your ICP and your injection pulse width and your engine oil temps and tranny temps"

Injection pulse width is the “duration” of the injector command. Longer pulse usually means more fuel, which changes how the engine runs.

Term

real-time log

"If you can real-time log your RPM and your ICP and your injection pulse width and your engine oil temps and tranny temps"

Real-time logging records the car’s data as you’re driving, not later. That makes it easier to see what the engine is doing right when you make changes.

Term

PID list

"So, you know with a different PID list and stuff like that. We can actually"

A PID list is basically a menu of which sensor readings the tool will pull from the car. The right menu depends on the vehicle.

Concept

proven tunes

"With the proven tunes that I know you guys have and then with some of the custom stuff that you know different"

A “tune” is software that changes how the engine runs. “Proven tunes” are tunes that have been tested so they’re more likely to work well and safely.

Concept

custom stuff

"With the proven tunes that I know you guys have and then with some of the custom stuff that you know different Different tuners are using for race trucks or engine builders different things like that."

“Custom stuff” means the tune or setup is tailored to that specific truck and its parts. Instead of a one-size-fits-all map, it’s adjusted for what the builder is trying to achieve.

Concept

OBS community

"It borders on Fanaticism and I don't mean that in a bad way. It just these people love these trucks and Surprisingly the the OBS community just I think they really"

“OBS” is a nickname for older pickup trucks with a specific body style. The “OBS community” is the group of owners who love those trucks and keep them running with upgrades.

Brand

complete performance

"Surprisingly the the OBS community just I think they really Deserve most of the credit these people take these trucks that are 30 years old With the help of companies like complete performance"

Complete Performance is a company that helps truck owners with parts or tuning support. The speaker is saying they’ve helped the community keep older trucks going.

Term

after-treatment stuff

"...now they have all this after-treatment stuff that's going on there that adds cost to it and trucks were just generally getting more expensive"

After-treatment is the set of emissions devices on a modern diesel that clean up exhaust after the engine has already burned the fuel. It adds cost and can add maintenance considerations compared with older, simpler setups.

Term

head gaskets

"I've already had a black eye from blown head gaskets and stuff like that and and we figured out on 6-0 is how to make them hold together"

The head gasket is a seal between the engine block and the cylinder head. If it fails, the engine can start mixing fluids and overheating, which can be a big and expensive problem.

Term

pump problems

"...Find more people Who are trying to get away from the newer trucks, especially like this the the pump problems on the 6-7s Going back to a 6-0s"

They mean problems with the fuel pump system. If the pump or related parts fail, the engine may not start well or may lose power, and repairs can get expensive.

Term

cam sensors

"It was easy to get parts parts of getting a little more difficult to find cam sensors IPRs"

A cam sensor tells the computer where the engine’s camshaft is. If it goes bad, the truck may run poorly or not run right, and repairs can get harder if parts are scarce.

Term

IPRs

"...getting a little more difficult to find cam sensors IPRs Good valve cover gaskets and under under under harnesses"

IPRs are parts that help control how much pressure the diesel fuel system makes. If an IPR fails, the engine can lose power or run badly because it can’t manage fuel pressure correctly.

Term

valve cover gaskets

"...IPRs Good valve cover gaskets and under under under harnesses and and you know, some of those things are getting more and more difficult to find"

Valve cover gaskets are seals that keep oil from leaking around the top of the engine. If they fail, you’ll often see oil seepage and you may need to replace them to prevent bigger messes.

Term

harnesses

"...Good valve cover gaskets and under under under harnesses and and you know, some of those things are getting more and more difficult to find"

A wiring harness is the set of wires that connects the engine’s sensors and computers. Over time, heat and age can damage it, and replacing it can be a pain if parts are hard to find.

Concept

the ficum

"But you guys have some stuff with that which you had touched based on With us on a previous podcast about the ficum Yeah, yeah, so"

This sounds like a name of a tuning product or topic they discussed earlier, but the transcript is unclear. If you share more of the surrounding audio/text, we can pin down what it is.

Term

dongle device

"So we've got the communications nailed down the device is that it's it's a Dongle device that plugs into the OBD to port..."

A dongle is a small plug-in adapter. It connects to your car’s diagnostic port and lets your phone or laptop talk to the car for tuning.

Concept

multi-platform capable device

"We're also at the same time working on Restructuring the software Into a multi-platform capable device so that we can actually program from a tablet or a phone as well..."

Multi-platform capable just means the tuning app works on more than one kind of device. So you can tune and check data from a phone or tablet, not only a laptop.

Term

flash

"But the idea to be able to to flash the six-liter flash the ficum... We have the custom custom tuning capabilities for the ficum... And then just take those binaries and just load them right onto your ECM..."

Flashing is when a tuning tool updates the car’s computer software. It replaces the factory settings with new settings so the engine behaves differently.

Concept

custom tuning capabilities

"We have the custom custom tuning capabilities for the ficum custom tuning capabilities for the six so And then just take those binaries..."

“Custom tuning” means tailoring the ECU calibration to a specific engine setup and goals (like drivability, power, and emissions behavior). The segment describes a workflow where custom tune files are programmed into the vehicle using the dongle and app.

Term

binaries

"...just take those binaries and just load them right onto your ECM..."

Binaries are the actual tune files—the new settings the car’s computer will use. Flashing loads these files into the car so it runs with the updated calibration.

Term

DTCs

"...we've got a four to six week lead time on that we're finishing up the application UI so that it has all the data that we want on it the ability to data log We include DTCs and all the all the base stuff that you need to have in an application like that"

DTCs are the “error codes” your car stores when it finds a problem. A tuning app showing DTCs helps you see what the car is complaining about.

Company

dealers

"It'll be ready to go and we've already got like all of our dealers or are chomping at the bit to get their hands on this stuff"

Here, “dealers” means the shops that sell vehicles and work with the brand. They’re excited because they’ll be able to offer the tuning product to customers.

Concept

custom tuners

"and our custom tuners like like Brian and Andrew and CNC and Dan cropping acts up like that these guys are just all super excited to get their hands on this stuff"

Custom tuners are people who adjust a car’s computer settings to improve how it runs. They often tailor the tune to the specific car and modifications.

Concept

project list

"It definitely it goes in a in a project list and so we have this this this this and right now We've got 10 or 15 projects that that we've got in our queue"

A “project list” is basically a to-do list of tuning ideas or development tasks. They track what they might build next and what they’re considering.

Concept

development cost

"you've got to you know, weigh that the checks and balances development cost development time"

Development cost is the expense of making the product—like testing and engineering time. They’re asking whether it will be profitable enough to justify building it.

Concept

development time

"you've got to you know, weigh that the checks and balances development cost development time"

Development time is how long the team needs to finish the tuning work. They’re balancing speed and effort with whether they can deliver a product that makes sense.

Concept

cost-effective

"Can we provide a product that's going to be cost-effective for the customer or is it out of our capabilities?"

“Cost-effective” means it’s worth the money and effort. They’re deciding whether the tune will sell enough to make the project worthwhile.

Concept

out of our capabilities

"Can we provide a product that's going to be cost-effective for the customer or is it out of our capabilities?"

This means they might not be able to do that project with what they have available. It could be because of technical limits or lack of resources.

Concept

sell ten of these are we gonna sell 10,000 of these

"Are we are we Gonna sell ten of these are we gonna sell 10,000 of these, you know, I mean these are all big considerations"

They’re talking about how many units they think they’ll sell. If they only sell a few, the project might not be worth it; if they sell lots, it can pay off.

Term

ECM

"it'll be initially released for the 6-0 to do the ECM TCM and FICUM as well as data log everything but"

ECM means the engine’s main computer. Tuning the ECM can change how the engine runs—like how much fuel it gets and how it responds to driving inputs.

Term

TCM

"to do the ECM TCM and FICUM as well as data log everything but"

TCM is the transmission’s control computer. If you tune it, you can change how the transmission shifts and how smooth or aggressive it feels.

Term

carb compliant

"We can still meet all the emissions requirements and stuff like that because our goal again for everything is to be carb compliant"

“CARB compliant” means the tune is set up to meet emissions rules used in California. The goal is to keep the truck within legal emissions limits even after tuning.

Term

Hydrochip

"We're that close to getting our our our Hydrochip"

“Hydrochip” sounds like the name of their tuning product. They’re saying they’re very close to getting it ready, but they don’t explain the details in this clip.

Term

carb certified

"carb certified Still dealing with SEMA garage on their test truck. They've been Continuously having issues, but they've they've got most of the stuff ironed out now ...We'll be able to move forward and finish our testing and get get our carb certification on that"

“CARB certified” means California has checked the emissions impact and approved the product. If it’s not certified, it may not be legal to sell or use in California.

Term

SEMA garage

"Still dealing with SEMA garage on their test truck. They've been Continuously having issues, but they've they've got most of the stuff ironed out now"

SEMA is a major organization for the car parts industry. A “SEMA garage” here likely means a place where they test and develop aftermarket setups.

Concept

test truck

"Still dealing with SEMA garage on their test truck. They've been Continuously having issues, but they've they've got most of the stuff ironed out now ...finish our testing and get get our carb certification on that"

They’re using a specific truck as a trial vehicle to see if the tuning parts work correctly. They test it until the problems are fixed enough to pass the required approvals.

Term

high pressure all pump

"Regarding their high pressure all pump once we get that straightened out We'll be able to move forward and finish our testing and get get our carb certification on that"

“High pressure” refers to the fuel system’s ability to generate very high fuel pressure for modern diesel injection. “All pump” likely refers to the high-pressure pump(s) and related components that must be sorted out before testing and certification can proceed.

Concept

california is such a huge truck market

"Because california is such a huge truck market. There's so many people there. It is so many trucks there ...It can't be ignored"

The hosts are discussing how California’s large truck population makes emissions compliance especially important for diesel tuning products. Because California has strict emissions rules, CARB certification can unlock a major portion of the market.

Term

marketplace

"[1910.2s] ...where you can ship it three who's going to who can sell it [1916.8s] And to be able to get it out there more into the marketplace. I really appreciate that approach"

Here, “marketplace” just means where people buy products—like the wider customer market beyond one location.

Concept

R&D into creating their own regulations

"[1936.7s] They don't have to invest the time in r&d into creating their own carb per se [1941.2s] So they just follow what california does so being able to [1944.4s] Have access to I don't even know how many states he had mentioned"

They’re saying companies shouldn’t have to do extra work just because different states make their own rules. The more separate rules there are, the harder and more expensive it is to sell products everywhere.

Concept

emission standpoint

"[1980.8s] And by an extension [1983.0s] we're [1984.1s] Technically carb compliant from an emission standpoint. The only difference is is carb wants their $20,000"

They’re talking about emissions—how much pollution the product creates. Their point is that if pollution levels are already acceptable, the extra approval steps feel like extra hassle.

Company

Dfc diesel

"[2080.0s] Maybe my truck's not stock or I tow heavy with it. I don't want to go back with just a stock engine [2084.9s] Dfc diesel is a sponsor of the podcast [2087.7s] We worked with them you know hand in hand on doing episodes answering technical questions"

They’re talking about a company called Dfc Diesel that sponsors the show. The point is that they sell diesel engines and also help with technical episodes.

Brand

Duramax

"[2087.7s] We worked with them you know hand in hand on doing episodes answering technical questions [2091.6s] They have a complete lineup of Cummins Duramax and power stroke [2095.4s] remanufactured engines that are set to a standard of iso"

“Duramax” is a diesel engine brand used in some GM trucks. They’re saying they sell rebuilt versions of that type of engine.

Term

remanufactured engines

"[2091.6s] They have a complete lineup of Cummins Duramax and power stroke [2095.4s] remanufactured engines that are set to a standard of iso [2098.5s] 9000 won 2015 standards, which is a huge deal in the aftermarket"

A remanufactured engine is an engine that’s been taken apart, rebuilt, and put back together again. The goal is to make it work like it should, but usually for less money than a brand-new engine.

Term

ISO 9000

"[2095.4s] remanufactured engines that are set to a standard of iso [2098.5s] 9000 won 2015 standards, which is a huge deal in the aftermarket [2102.4s] And there's certain levels of quality testing validation that are required for that"

ISO 9000 is a quality standard that companies follow to make sure their processes are controlled and consistent. They’re saying the engine rebuilds meet that kind of quality system.

Term

quality testing validation

"[2098.5s] 9000 won 2015 standards, which is a huge deal in the aftermarket [2102.4s] And there's certain levels of quality testing validation that are required for that [2106.7s] So, you know when you get one of those engines the type of quality that's built behind it"

They mean the engine is tested and checked to confirm it meets certain requirements. That helps reduce the risk of problems after you install it.

Term

industry leading warranty

"[2102.4s] And there's certain levels of quality testing validation that are required for that [2106.7s] So, you know when you get one of those engines the type of quality that's built behind it with an industry leading warranty [2111.62s] "

A warranty is the coverage that helps pay for repairs if something goes wrong within a certain time. They’re saying the rebuilt engines come with a strong warranty.

Term

OEM engine

"[2116.9s] Is you know, sometimes the options that are out there. It's just it's a basic OEM engine [2121.1s] You want a little bit more you don't want to have the same failure again"

OEM means “factory.” So an OEM engine is the same kind of engine the truck originally came with from the manufacturer.

Term

speed of air series

"[2124.0s] So there's a bunch of different series of engines that they have [2127.7s] from core [2129.7s] street tow haul and also the speed of air series, which we've covered on the podcast before"

This is a named product/engine line that’s supposed to improve how air moves through the engine. The hosts say it can help with efficiency and performance, and they’ve talked about it in an earlier episode.

Brand

speed of air pistons

"[2147.0s] Also, they're working with speed of air pistons, which it's the only piston that pays for itself [2153.3s] And there's a lot of really cool technology behind it"

They’re talking about a specific piston brand/product called “speed of air pistons.” The idea is that these pistons improve how the engine burns fuel, which can translate into better efficiency and performance.

Term

fuel economy

"[2155.2s] So you can add that into your build and be able to get better fuel economy [2159.3s] You know increased power increased torque and better engine life out of it"

Fuel economy means how far the vehicle can go on a given amount of fuel. Better fuel economy usually means the engine is wasting less fuel.

Term

torque

"[2159.3s] You know increased power increased torque and better engine life out of it [2163.3s] You know some of the most common engine applications"

Torque is the engine’s pulling force. More torque usually means the truck feels stronger, especially when you’re towing or climbing.

Term

lead time

"[2166.4s] Or series of engines that they have with that lead time a lot of them are in stock or they have really short lead times [2171.9s] So you can check your favorite retailer or go to dfc diesel.com"

Lead time is how long you have to wait after you order something before you get it. Shorter lead times mean you can start driving or building sooner.

Term

fast fuel systems

"[2192.4s] Maximizing power reliability and efficiency begins with clean diesel fuel [2196.5s] That's why fast fuel systems remove air and vapor up to 99 of water and filters debris down to two microns"

Fast Fuel Systems is a fuel-treatment setup. The goal is to keep the fuel cleaner and more consistent so the engine and fuel system work better and last longer.

Car

Lucid Air

"... diesel fuel That's why fast fuel systems remove air and vapor up to 99 of water and filters debris do..."

The Lucid Air is an all-electric car. Instead of using diesel or gasoline, it runs on electricity stored in a battery. It can be mentioned when people talk about keeping systems clean and working properly so the car performs as expected.

Term

two microns

"[2196.5s] That's why fast fuel systems remove air and vapor up to 99 of water and filters debris down to two microns [2203.3s] This alone can triple the life expectancy of your fuel system"

Two microns is how fine the filter is. Smaller micron numbers mean it catches tinier dirt particles that can hurt the fuel system.

Concept

fuel system upgrade

"There's a fast fuel system a four-year rig made right here in the usa visit fastride.com to find the perfect fuel system upgrade for your truck"

A “fuel system upgrade” means improving the parts that deliver fuel to the engine. If you’re making more power, the stock fuel setup may not be able to feed enough fuel reliably.

Car

Eagle Summit

"...ystem upgrade for your truck To bring it back to summit seven three for a second Were there conversation..."

The Eagle Summit is an older compact car. It’s the kind of vehicle people may work on or upgrade when they want to fix problems or improve how it runs. In the podcast, it’s likely being mentioned as a specific car example for those kinds of changes.

Term

671 blower

"brand on diesels and dirtbags brought his rat rod out there [2267.9s] 7.3 liter with a 671 blower on it"

A “blower” is a forced-air device that helps the engine make more power. The “671” is basically the blower’s model/size, which changes how much extra air it can push in.

Term

supercharged

"for years [2281.7s] I had wanted to build that I wanted to build a supercharged seven three with a 671 or 871 blower on it"

“Supercharged” means the engine has a device that pushes extra air into it. More air usually means more fuel can be burned, which helps make more power.

Term

lope tune

"Make a lope tune for itself like that"

A “lope tune” is a computer setting that makes the engine idle sound rougher or more “choppy,” like it’s not running perfectly smooth. People usually do it for the sound and character, while still keeping the engine running right.

Car

seven three

"I was so excited about that because it shows that it's not just people who are building a seven three to Pull their camper or whatever."

“Seven three” usually means the Ford 7.3-liter diesel engine (often called the Power Stroke). People like it because it’s a common, tough engine that can be modified for more power—especially with turbo and fuel upgrades.

Term

rat rod on bags

"I mean the truck already was cool just you know the whole rat rod on bags and stuff like that"

“Rat rod” is a rough, custom look. “Bags” means air suspension, which lets the truck change how low it sits—often for shows or a dramatic stance.

Term

zoomy headers

"But to have a seven three in there with zoomy headers on it like a drag truck"

“Zoomy headers” are aftermarket exhaust parts that help the exhaust gases move out more easily. That can make a turbo diesel respond better and run more efficiently under boost.

Term

big stinking blower

"And a big stinking blower sitting on top of it just just tickled me to no end"

A “blower” is basically a supercharger. It forces extra air into the engine, which helps make more power—often sooner than a turbo would.

Term

supercharger

"but I always thought that the seven three would be a good platform for having a blower on it and then Running two turbos that feed into the blower"

A supercharger is a device that uses engine power to push more air into the engine. More air usually means more power, especially when you want boost right away.

Term

two turbos

"Running two turbos that feed into the blower So you would have boost off the line because you're mechanically driving"

“Two turbos” means the engine uses two turbochargers instead of one. The goal is usually more airflow and stronger boost, sometimes with better response.

Term

boost off the line

"Running two turbos that feed into the blower So you would have boost off the line because you're mechanically driving"

“Boost off the line” means the engine starts making extra pressure quickly when you take off. That helps the truck feel stronger right away instead of waiting for the turbo to spool.

Term

four five six psi

"four five six psi into the supercharger you're talking about"

“psi” is a measurement of how much extra pressure the turbo/supercharger is pushing into the engine. More boost usually means more power potential, but it also requires the engine and fuel system to keep up.

Term

fuel in there

"Then the problem comes in and it's like, okay. Well, how do I get the fuel in there? And then and that's always been the problem with the seven three is how can I get more fuel in there?"

When you add boost, the engine needs more fuel to make use of that extra air. If you don’t add enough fuel, you won’t get the power you expect; if you add too much without the right setup, it can overheat or stress the engine.

Term

engine dyno

"On our engine dyno, we may put a seven three together and put a do a blower setup that was similar to what brandon did"

An engine dyno is a machine that runs the engine on a stand and measures how much power it makes. It helps tuners test changes like adding a blower or increasing boost.

Term

manifold

"And the idea of building A manifold that would literally link the two heads together and hold the engine tighter together"

A manifold is a part that channels gases to and from the engine. They’re talking about a special manifold design that would help hold the engine together better when making very high power.

Company

quarry from cnc fab

"I Had that quarry from cnc fab on a few years ago and I was talking with them about their p-pump seven three ... I've worked with quarry and I've had some discussions with him about some ideas"

They’re referencing a specific shop/person (Quarry at CNC Fab) that’s worked on 7.3 diesel builds. The point is that the shop has experience with custom parts and ideas for making more power.

Part

p-pump

"I was talking with them about their p-pump seven three ... the trick on that one would be is trying to get that p-pump in there with a blower sitting on top of it"

The p-pump is the diesel engine’s fuel injection pump. It controls how much fuel gets sent into the cylinders, and upgrading it is a common way to support big power gains.

Term

sleeved

"people have sleeved and run six liter injectors and and and stuff like that"

Sleeving means adding a liner inside the engine’s cylinder. It can make the cylinder walls stronger so the engine can handle more power without failing.

Term

gen two

"of I've looked at the idea of using uh The gen two"

“Gen two” likely refers to a second-generation version of a component or system used in the tuning ecosystem, but the transcript doesn’t specify what it’s the second generation of. It’s mentioned as part of exploring an idea for the 7.3 build.

Term

oil rails

"Um, sleeving those in there doing the oil rails doing the oil that fits on the head There's options to be able to get more fuel in there"

“Oil rails” are oil feed lines/passages that deliver pressurized oil to parts that need it. If you’re swapping injector components, the oil supply has to be set up correctly so the system can work as intended.

Term

electronics

"There's options to be able to get more fuel in there It just needs the electronics to support it. We need a computer That can support having the cam sensor crank sensor"

Electronics are the computer and sensors that control how the engine runs. If you change parts like injectors, the computer has to be able to control them properly.

Term

cam sensor crank sensor

"That can support having the cam sensor crank sensor and then fire the injectors the way that you use the six liter right Fick them and fires the injectors."

These sensors tell the computer where the engine parts are. The ECU uses that information to time fuel injection so the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.

Term

extrude honing

"Then by the by 99 There were people who are already starting to modify injectors now. They were they were crude modifications. They were extrude honing the nozzles for more fuel flow"

Extrude honing is a machining/finishing method that can reshape or smooth small internal passages. In this case, it’s being used to change injector nozzle flow so the engine can get more fuel.

Term

intensifier pistons

"They hadn't even looked at Increasing the volume cutting the intensifier pistons and stuff to get more volume out of the injectors and hybrids weren't even a consideration yet"

Some diesel injection systems use a piston to squeeze fuel to very high pressure. If you’re trying to inject more fuel, that high-pressure part may need changes too.

Concept

hybrids

"and hybrids weren't even a consideration yet that didn't come until years years later um but"

“Hybrids” means cars that use both a gas/diesel engine and an electric motor. The speaker is saying this wasn’t really a factor in diesel tuning back then.

Term

turbo kits

"Just to watch where it started and all the little mods that people were making all the turbo kits the d66s and the "

A turbo kit is an upgrade package for the turbocharger system. Since more fuel needs more air to burn well, turbo upgrades are a common step in making more diesel power.

Term

off-the-shelf parts

"As everything kind of progressed forward, you know people using off-the-shelf stuff and making small tweaks the company is now Whole scale read redesigning the injector"

Off-the-shelf parts are parts you can buy like normal products, not custom-made for your exact truck. They’re convenient, but they may not be ideal if you want extreme power or very specific results.

Part

turbo systems

"Or or redesigning the turbo systems, you know, you look at the companies that are doing that um And what they've been capable of accomplishing without having to use off-the-shelf parts"

A turbo system is the turbocharger and the parts around it that control how much extra air the engine gets. More (and better-controlled) boost can mean more power, but it also needs to be matched to the rest of the engine.

Term

daily drive

"I need a transmission you want a turbo that you could still daily drive But you could take it to the track on the weekends or test and tunes if you want"

“Daily drive” means you can use the truck normally every day. For tuned diesels, it usually means the upgrades still feel smooth and dependable in everyday traffic.

Concept

data logs

"integrating this into my phone one day and being able to Do updates and data logs and Have the convenience and the speed of technology with this older platform"

Data logs are recordings of what the engine is doing while you drive. Tuners look at them to see if everything is running correctly and to fine-tune the settings.

Term

power limits

"Have the convenience and the speed of technology with this older platform and then push the power limits or power levels"

“Power limits” means how much power the engine can handle safely. When you tune a diesel, you try to increase that ceiling without overheating or stressing parts too much.

Topic

linear tech

"We got satellite school for linear tech um right around the corner from us"

“Linear tech” here sounds like a school or training program. The hosts are saying they work with local education options to find people with the technical background for tuning.

Term

reverse engineering

"understanding, you know calibration understanding or or even reverse engineering the"

Reverse engineering means studying how the car’s computer works by taking it apart conceptually and learning its rules. Tuners do this so they can make changes that behave predictably.

Term

calibration

"understanding, you know calibration understanding or or even reverse engineering the"

Calibration is the car’s built-in “settings” for how the engine runs. A tuner changes those settings so the engine makes power and drives the way they want.

Term

PCM

"the PCM platforms stuff like that kind of you know the kind of stuff that we do"

PCM is the car’s main computer for the powertrain—mostly the engine (and sometimes transmission behavior too). When tuners talk about PCM tuning, they mean changing what that computer commands.

Company

diesel alliance

"Get them aware of of of the diesel alliance and get them joined into that because [2926.2s] That's where a lot of that stuff happens. That's where where a lot of knowledge transfer occurs"

They’re talking about a diesel-focused group/organization. The idea is to bring people together so skills and know-how get shared, especially with people who are new to the industry.

Concept

knowledge transfer

"That's where a lot of that stuff happens. That's where where a lot of knowledge transfer occurs [2931.0s] um sum of seven three, you know, it's very industry specific"

They mean sharing real experience and tips from people who already know the trade. It’s about teaching newcomers so they can learn faster and get involved.

Topic

track

"Get them get bring them to the track bring them to [2962.1s] Your your truck club meetings or whatever it is you're doing and show them what it is you do"

The speaker mentions bringing people “to the track,” referring to organized racing events where diesel trucks are driven competitively. This is used as a way to engage newcomers and show what the community does.

Topic

truck club meetings

"Your your truck club meetings or whatever it is you're doing and show them what it is you do [2966.4s] Get them interested in it and then figure out how to how to bring them on board"

They mean local gatherings of truck owners. People share what they know and help others get started.

Concept

diesel truck

"there was nothing really like that for me when [2975.4s] My interest started with a race and seeing a truck, but it didn't it didn't do anything right."

A diesel truck is a truck that runs on diesel fuel instead of gasoline. Diesel engines are known for strong pulling power, which is why they show up a lot in racing and towing.

Concept

ran a 1090

"An understanding that's a three-quarter ton diesel truck that just ran a 1090 or something [2996.9s] Yeah, that's that's the stunning part."

They’re describing a drag-race result—basically how fast the truck went in a timed run. “10.90” is the kind of number you’d see for a quick quarter-mile pass.

Concept

6500 pound truck

"Yeah, that's that's the stunning part. You know, it's a 6500 pound truck in the tens. [3003.9s] Impressive manner."

They mention the truck’s weight to show how impressive the speed is. A heavier truck is harder to accelerate quickly, especially in racing.

Term

fuel injection system

"I had to train it a little bit on how the fuel injection system works How much fuel is injected it makes this much power"

This is the system that sends fuel into the engine. When it’s timed and metered correctly, the engine makes power smoothly instead of running smoky or rough.

Term

160 cc

"Let's take the stock injectors and replace them with 160 cc"

“160 cc” is a way of describing how much fuel the injector can flow. Bigger numbers generally mean the injector can supply more fuel, but the engine computer needs tuning to use them correctly.

Term

binary file

"It gave me a binary file Using my binary format and I put it in my software"

A binary file is the computer-tune data in a format the ECU can understand. Instead of editing text, tuners work with the actual programmed file that controls the truck.

Term

stage one

"I overlaid it with one of my stage one single Injector files"

“Stage one” is the first level of tuning. It’s typically a smaller, safer power increase than higher stages, often done mainly through the engine computer tune.

Concept

AI

"I was very hesitant with with ai in the beginning to be honest Angela kept pushing me..."

AI is software that can learn patterns from data. In tuning, it can help create or speed up parts of the engine tune, but you still need to verify it’s accurate and safe.

Concept

LLMs

"But when you're looking at, you know, llms and at the rate at which they can learn um"

LLMs are a type of AI trained on lots of text/data so they can generate answers or outputs. The speaker is saying newer LLMs can learn faster and produce better results for tasks like tuning assistance.

Concept

AI training class

"And so I think one of the things we're probably going to do at seven seven three next year as I may Forego doing a minotaur class and do more of an ai training class on how to use this to how to how to use ai in your tuning how to take a map"

They’re planning a class to teach people how to use AI for car tuning. Instead of guessing, you learn the right way to ask the AI for help.

Term

map

"Um on how to use this to how to how to use ai in your tuning how to take a map Feed it into ai and say I need this help me"

A “map” is basically the engine’s settings chart. It tells the ECU what to do at different speeds and loads, and they’re saying AI could help work with those settings.

Concept

AI in your tuning

"on how to use this to how to how to use ai in your tuning how to take a map Feed it into ai and say I need this help me Help produce an output for me"

They’re describing using AI as part of the tuning process. Instead of doing everything manually, AI can help generate or review things you’re working on.

Term

prompting

"But uh, it's it's it really comes down to learning learning how to use it Prompting is everything you put garbage in you're gonna get garbage out"

Prompting is how you “talk to” the AI—what you ask it and how you ask it. If you’re specific, the AI is more likely to give useful results.

Term

garbage in you're gonna get garbage out

"Prompting is everything you put garbage in you're gonna get garbage out you know everyone that that's that's the mantra for anybody who uses ai"

It’s the idea that AI can only be as good as what you give it. If you feed it bad info or unclear instructions, the results will likely be bad too.

Concept

AI rewriting code

"It offered suggestions. It would actually rewrite code for me And still because it's using my language as a format It writes code the way I would write code and I can take it I can plug it into my software and it works"

They’re describing a tool that can help with computer programming—finding problems and even rewriting parts of the code for you. The idea is that it saves time and still produces code you can use.

Concept

AI content

"As you had mentioned like gen z I Like the content side I can't watch AI content like it just seems so distant and cold to me That's one of the things that people really are pushing back against."

They mean videos or posts made by AI instead of real people. The host is saying it doesn’t feel personal or engaging, so they don’t like watching it.

Topic

UCC

"your interaction with fans and seven three owners is ucc coming up Which I believe it's that's not even far away now, but you guys are gonna have a booth there be able to interact with your waves"

UCC sounds like an event they’re going to attend. They’re talking about having a booth and meeting people who like the trucks.

Topic

Diesel Podcast

"I always look forward just just to being out there and Seeing what it is the customers have interests in... It's just a big truck show... It gives us an opportunity again to to forward that information along either through the diesel alliance or for the next summer seven three"

They’re talking about a diesel truck event where people meet, swap stories, and learn what other owners are building. It’s also a chance for dealers to catch up with each other.

Topic

networking opportunity

"It's just another networking opportunity... But it's a networking Opportunity in a really really fun environment"

The speaker frames the event as a networking opportunity—meaning a structured chance to meet people in the same industry, share updates, and build relationships. In automotive circles, this often leads to faster knowledge sharing about tuning trends and parts.

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