- Award-winning Casper, the SpaceX-themed Model 3, triumphed with Best Use of Frunk and Best Interior.
- CJ’s prior builds, like the turbocharged BMW M3, fueled his expertise for Casper’s exceptional transformation.
- RUINED EV, founded by CJ, revolutionizes the modded Tesla scene, pushing boundaries with unmatched automotive creativity.
CJ Cardinalli, a web developer and car enthusiast based in Lake Elsinore, CA, set out on a mission to transform Casper, his 2018 Tesla Model 3 into a show-stopping masterpiece. With a background deeply rooted in the car scene, CJ saw an opportunity to push the boundaries of Tesla modifications, taking them beyond the typical wheel and wrap upgrades.
With over 20 years of prior build experience under his belt, CJ’s passion for customization led him to create an impressive lineup of previous builds. From a mildly modded 1996 BMW 328i to a full show build of a 1995 Turbo BMW M3, he had always strived for innovation. The Tesla presented a fresh challenge, and CJ was eager to take on this new mission.
Impressive Powertrain, Electronics, Wheels & Tires
The Tesla Model 3 boasts a staggering 450 horsepower, which stands as a testament to CJ’s meticulous attention to detail in his custom Tesla Model 3. From performance electronics such as the Ingenext Ghost Module and THOR Dual Sound Generator to the powerful 3 Ohmmu 12v lithium batteries that provide power to the powertrain, every aspect of Casper has been carefully upgraded.
The wheels and tires alone are a sight to behold. Casper proudly showcases 20″ HRE 540 3-piece forged wheels for show-stopping appeal, wrapped inDelinte D7 tires. For street driving, Rotiform 19″ ZMO 3-piece wheels and Yokohama Advan Sport tires provide the perfect balance of style and performance.
Casper’s modifications extend far beyond the surface. From the Don Marcoini 370mm Big Brake Kit with teal-painted calipers and purple anodized hats to the Air Lift Performance 3H System and AccuAir ENDO-CT 5-gallon air tank, the chassis, and suspension have been fine-tuned to perfection. Custom frunk displays, LED clear air lines, and mesmerizing infinity mirrors from CEEJ Customs further elevate the vehicle’s uniqueness.
The exterior of Casper demands attention with its stunning full wrap in TinyBot Gloss Laser Flip Snowstorm Blue. Carbon fiber accents from ADRO add an elegant touch, while custom LED rear reflectors and a carbon fiber tail light wrap ensure that Casper cannot be ignored.
Interior Innovations: From Fiber Optic Stars to Custom Steering Wheel
Step inside Casper, and you’ll be transported to a whole new world. The interior is adorned with metal rivet door jambs and back of doors wrapped, a custom galaxy headliner with fiber optic stars, and an EV Annex swivel screen. The Unleashed Customs Yoke Steering Wheel adds a futuristic touch, while the Model 3 Performance Pedals enhance the driving experience.
One of the standout features of Casper is undoubtedly the frunk setup. With clear LED lines, a custom SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Tank, a starlight tub, and infinity mirrors shaped like broken glass, it’s an unrivaled frunk show display. CJ’s love for constantly evolving the setup has led to six unique iterations, ensuring that boredom never sets in.
Awards and Accolades: Recognitions in the Show Car Community
Casper’s remarkable journey has garnered attention and acclaim at various competitions and events. From winning awards for Best Use of Frunk and Best Interior at Electrify Showoff driven by Yokohama in Long Beach (CA) to receiving recognition at SPOCOM and Winter Wonder Slammed, this show car has made its mark.
Behind the scenes, CJ acknowledges the invaluable support of his sponsors and partners. CEEJ Customs, ADRO, Delinte Tires, Don Marconi Brakes, TesLuxInnovations, Mod Bargains, EV Annex, EV Playground, and Alpha Rex have played a pivotal role in bringing Casper to life.
CJ’s vision extends beyond Casper alone. As the Founder and President of RUINED EV, he has built a community of like-minded enthusiasts who share his passion for pushing boundaries and creating unique automotive experiences.
Reflecting on the past five years, CJ describes the build as an incredible journey. What was once considered a heavily modified Model 3 has now evolved into a show car that continues to defy expectations. The future holds exciting possibilities, with a new wrap and possibly a custom wide body planned for the near future.
Casper embodies the pinnacle of Tesla modification and showcases the limitless potential of automotive creativity. Its awe-inspiring features, from the mesmerizing frunk setup to the meticulously designed interior, make it a true work of art. Follow CJ and Casper’s journey on Instagram @casper_model3 and @ruined.ev, and be part of the electrifying evolution.
For more information, visit the RUINED EV website at www.ruined.cc. Join us as we reinvent the custom car scene, because the future of car modification is electric, and RUINED EV is leading the charge!
For more information on Electrify Showoff, visit www.electrifyexpo.com/showoff.
2023 Electrify Expo Schedule
| May 19-21 | Long Beach, CA |
| June 24-25 | San Francisco, CA |
| July 22-23 | Washington, DC |
| Aug. 12-13 | Long Island, NY |
| Sept. 9-10 | Seattle, WA |
| Oct. 14-15 | Miami, FL |
| Nov. 10-12 | Austin, TX |
OWNER/VEHICLE DETAILS
Owner: CJ Cardinalli
Location: Lake Elsinore CA, USA
Company: Founder/President – RUINED EV, CEEJ Customs
Instagram: @casper_model3
Club: RUINED EV
Vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model 3
Horsepower: 450
AWARDS
| Show | Category |
| Electrify Showoff San Francisco, CA 2024 | Best of Show presented by Yokohama |
| Electrify Showoff Phoenix, AZ 2024 | Best Wheel/Tire package presented by Alloy Gator, Best Sedan |
| Electrify Showoff Long Beach, CA | Best Audio, Best Sedan, Best of Show presented by Yokohama |
| Electrify Showoff Austin, TX 2023 | Best Frunk presented by Operation Breakthrough, Best Interior presented by ChargeMods |
| Electrify Showoff San Francisco, CA 2023 | Best Sedan, Best Audio |
| Electrify Showoff Phoenix, AZ 2024 | Best Wheel/Tire package presented by Alloy Gator, Best Sedan |
| Electrify Showoff Long Beach, CA 2024 | Best Audio, Best Sedan, Best of Show presented by Yokohama |
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
| Category | Description |
| Performance Electronics | Ingenext Ghost Module THOR Dual Sound Generator |
| Powertrain | 3 Ohmmu 12v lithium batteries |
| Wheels & Tires | Show: 20” HRE 540 3-piece forged wheels / Delinte D7 tires Street: Rotiform – 19″ ZMO 3-piece wheels / Yokohama Advan Sport tires |
| Brakes | Don Marcoini 370mm Big Brake Kit (Brembo) Teal-painted Calipers / Purple anodized hats |
| Chassis & Suspension / Frunk | Air Lift Performance 3H System 3/8″ AccuAir ENDO-CT 5 Gallon Air Tank; Custom SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Tank Universal Air – Solution Series 2 Air Struts Universal Air – Custom Height Sensor Brackets Custom Air Line Shut Off Valves CEEJ Customs – Custom Frunk Show Display CEEJ Customs – 11 Piece “Broken Glass” Infinity Mirror Floor CEEJ Customs – LED Clear Air Lines CEEJ Customs – Custom Infinity Mirrors CEEJ Customs – Starlight Frunk Tub CEEJ Customs – Matrix 500 Led Hood Panel Custom Backlit False Floor Galaxy Wrapped Tank Stand Blue Painted Frunk Accents MPP Camber Arms MPP Toe Arms |
| Exterior | Full Wrap – TinyBot Gloss Laser Flip Snowstorm Blue ADRO – Carbon Fiber Front Lip ADRO – Carbon Fiber Side Skirts ADRO – Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser ADRO – Carbon Fiber Swan Neck Wing Infinite Auto Design – Carbon Fiber Hood LED Rear Reflectors CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Chrome Delete CEEJ Customs – Custom Mesh Grill CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Tail Light Wrap Carbon Fiber BMW M3 Style Mirrors Charging Port Carbon Fiber Wrap, Wind Noise Reduction Kit Madico 20% Ceramic Tint Ceramic Coated Flexshield PPF |
| Lighting | TesLuxInnovations – Plaid Headlights TesLuxInnovations – Plaid Fog Lights TesLuxInnovations – Plaid Underglow Blueghozt Controller (x2) Custom RBG Flow Interior LED Ambient Lighting AutoBeam – RGB LED Ambient Footwell Lighting Alpha Rex Tail Lights RUINED – LED Puddle Lights |
| Interior | Metal Rivet Door Jamb + Back Of Door Wrap Unleashed Customs – Yoke Steering Wheel EV Annex – Carbon Fiber Door Trim EV Annex – Swivel Screen CEEJ Customs – Custom Galaxy Headliner With Fiber Optic Stars CEEJ Customs – Custom Steering Wheel Center Wrap CEEJ Customs – Custom Carbon Fiber Frunk CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Top Dash Board Wrap CEEJ Customs – Metal Rivet Full Dash Wrap CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Side Trim Center Console CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Glove Box CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Under Dash Pieces CEEJ Customs – Metal Rivet Center Console Wrap CEEJ Customs – Metal Rivet/Snowstorm Blue Screen Back Wrap CEEJ Customs – Custom Snowstorm Blue Stripping Accents CEEJ Customs – Custom Accessory LED Switch Plate White Full Coverage Floor Mats Metal Rivet Arm Rest Carbon Fiber Window & Door Switch/Surrounds Peekaystudio Gated Shifter Cup Holder Hansshow LED Door Sills Model 3 Performance Pedals |
| Audio & Multimedia / Trunk | Custom Trunk Enclosure CEEJ Customs – Custom Galaxy Headliner With Fiber Optic Stars CEEJ Customs – Custom Infinity Mirror Display Galaxy Wrapped Sides walls Cadence 15” Wild Beast | SUB Cadence QRS1.1500GH | AMP Audiocontrol LC2i Audiocontrol Bass Knob Ohmmu 12v Battery Crydom D06D100 Solid State Relay Kilmat Sound Deadening |
| Sponsors / Partners | CEEJ Customs ADRO Delinte Tires Don Marconi Brakes TesLuxInnovations Mod Bargains EV Annex EV Playground Alpha Rex |
| Shops & Mechanics | 100% DIY; “Never seen a shop except to mount tires.” |
2018 Tesla Model 3 Photo Gallery
IMAGES: ELECTRIFY EXPO, JOSE VALDEZ PHOTO, CJ CARDINALLI
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