The Ultimate Tesla Show Car: CJ Cardinalli’s 2018 Tesla Model 3
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The Ultimate Tesla Show Car: CJ Cardinalli’s 2018 Tesla Model 3

From stock to jaw-dropping insanity, CJ's Tesla Model 3 will leave you breathless. Best Use of Frunk and Best Interior at Electrify Showoff!
  • 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

From stock to jaw-dropping insanity, CJ's Tesla Model 3 will leave you breathless. Best Use of Frunk and Best Interior at Electrify Showoff!
Yokohama Tire aerial view of the Tesla Model 3s owned by RUINED EV club members.

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.


From stock to jaw-dropping insanity, CJ's Tesla Model 3 will leave you breathless. Best Use of Frunk and Best Interior at Electrify Showoff!
CJ’s 2018 Tesla Model 3 is equipped with 20” HRE 540 3-piece forged wheels and wrapped in Delinte D7 tires (show). Street version sits on Rotiform 19″ ZMO 3 Piece in Yokohama Advan Sport tires. Brakes: Don Marcoini 370mm Big Brake Kit (Brembo), Teal painted Calipers / Purple anodized hats.

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

From stock to jaw-dropping insanity, CJ's Tesla Model 3 will leave you breathless. Best Use of Frunk and Best Interior at Electrify Showoff!

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 19-21Long Beach, CA
June 24-25San Francisco, CA
July 22-23Washington, DC
Aug. 12-13Long Island, NY
Sept. 9-10Seattle, WA
Oct. 14-15Miami, FL
Nov. 10-12Austin, TX

From stock to jaw-dropping insanity, CJ's Tesla Model 3 will leave you breathless. Best Use of Frunk and Best Interior at Electrify Showoff!
Awards and Accolades: Recognitions in the Show Car Community

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

ShowCategory
Electrify Showoff San Francisco, CA 2024Best of Show presented by Yokohama
Electrify Showoff Phoenix, AZ 2024Best Wheel/Tire package presented by Alloy Gator, Best Sedan
Electrify Showoff Long Beach, CABest Audio, Best Sedan, Best of Show presented by Yokohama
Electrify Showoff Austin, TX 2023Best Frunk presented by Operation Breakthrough, Best Interior presented by ChargeMods
Electrify Showoff San Francisco, CA 2023Best Sedan, Best Audio
Electrify Showoff Phoenix, AZ 2024Best Wheel/Tire package presented by Alloy Gator, Best Sedan
Electrify Showoff Long Beach, CA 2024Best Audio, Best Sedan, Best of Show presented by Yokohama

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS

CategoryDescription
Performance ElectronicsIngenext Ghost Module
THOR Dual Sound Generator
Powertrain3 Ohmmu 12v lithium batteries
Wheels & TiresShow: 20” HRE 540 3-piece forged wheels / Delinte D7 tires
Street: Rotiform – 19″ ZMO 3-piece wheels / Yokohama Advan Sport tires
BrakesDon Marcoini 370mm Big Brake Kit (Brembo)
Teal-painted Calipers / Purple anodized hats
Chassis & Suspension / FrunkAir 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
ExteriorFull 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
LightingTesLuxInnovations – 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
InteriorMetal 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 / TrunkCustom 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 / PartnersCEEJ Customs
ADRO
Delinte Tires
Don Marconi Brakes
TesLuxInnovations
Mod Bargains
EV Annex
EV Playground
Alpha Rex
Shops & Mechanics100% DIY; “Never seen a shop except to mount tires.”

IMAGES: ELECTRIFY EXPO, JOSE VALDEZ PHOTO, CJ CARDINALLI

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. Learn more.

AUTHOR: 

RANDI BENTIA

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