7.3 and 6.0 Owners - This is the Future of Tuning
The Diesel Podcast
7.3 and 6.0 Owners - This is the Future of Tuning The Diesel Podcast · May 1, 2026
7.3 and 6.0 Owners - This is the Future of Tuning

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7.3 and 6.0 Owners - This is the Future of Tuning
Concept

EPA

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

“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

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

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

seven three power strokes
Car

seven three power strokes

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

Cadillac CTS
Car

Cadillac CTS

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

Term

RPM

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

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

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

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

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

TS chip

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

Term

R chip

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

Summit 7 3

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

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.

Ford Edge
Car

Ford Edge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

“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

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

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

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

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

IPRs

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

cam sensors

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

valve cover gaskets

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

“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

“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” 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

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

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

“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

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

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

Concept

R&D into creating their own regulations

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Lucid Air
Car

Lucid Air

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

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

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.

Eagle Summit
Car

Eagle Summit

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

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.

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