Meet Casper: The Insanely Modified Tesla Model 3 Turning Heads Everywhere

When CJ Cardinalli first laid eyes on his Tesla Model 3 in 2018, he was immediately drawn to its minimalist design, advanced electric powertrain, and the untapped potential it represented. These features were an open invitation to reimagine what an EV could become. A seasoned car enthusiast and builder with a history of creating custom BMWs, CJ saw Tesla’s sleek electric sedan as the ultimate blank canvas to redefine what was possible in the, then, burgeoning world of EV customization.

Today, that vision has come to life in “Casper,” CJ’s extensively modified Tesla Model 3. With four major iterations since its debut, Casper’s current form combines performance upgrades, jaw-dropping styling mods, and an interior that feels like stepping into a starship!

The Visionary Behind Casper

CJ Cardinalli is no ordinary car enthusiast. As the founder and president of Ruined EV (ruined.cc), he has become a leading figure in the Tesla modification community. Ruined EV is not simply a car club; it has evolved into a full-on global movement. CJ’s leadership has fostered a community of like-minded enthusiasts who believe that electric vehicles can be just as personal, exciting, and full of character as their internal combustion counterparts.

CJ also launched CEEJ Customs (ceejcustoms.com), a company specializing in unique, reasonably-priced Tesla modifications. Known for its innovative frunk and trunk setups, including custom infinity mirrors, starlight displays, and SpaceX-inspired designs, CEEJ Customs has quickly become an integral part of the growing Tesla modification scene.

The Evolution of Casper

From the beginning, CJ’s mission was clear: build a Tesla that could hold its own against the wildest show cars.

“I wanted something brand new that no one had modified,” CJ explains. “It was about breaking ground and showing that EVs can be just as fun and exciting as any car.”

Casper’s evolution has been anything but static. Each iteration has brought new ideas, technologies, and bold design choices. From incorporating a full ADRO widebody kit to upgrading the Ingenext Ghost module for additional horsepower, CJ has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. Early versions of Casper included subtle cosmetic upgrades, but later iterations introduced revolutionary features like programmable underglow lighting, SpaceX-inspired frunk displays, and full airbag suspensions.

The bold ADRO widebody kit gives Casper a unique aggressive stance and futuristic flair.

Today, the car wears a full Avery Brushed Titanium wrap, giving it an industrial, futuristic vibe that complements its ADRO widebody kit and carbon fiber accents. The widebody setup accommodates massive 20-inch HRE 540 three-piece wheels with aggressive 7-inch lips, wrapped in Yokohama AD09 tires for maximum grip.

The exterior also features Teslux Innovations Plaid-style headlights and fog lights, Alpha Rex taillights, and a host of custom details from CEEJ Customs, including  carbon fiber chrome delete, and a rear tail light wrap.

Performance Meets Precision

Casper isn’t just a looker; it’s a performer. Thanks to an Ingenext Ghost module, the car’s dual-motor AWD powertrain delivers an extra 110kW/150 horsepower, unlocking capabilities like drift mode and advanced launch control. Supporting this newfound power is a custom suspension setup that’s as versatile as it is effective. Universal Air’s Solution Series air struts paired with an Air Lift Performance 3H system provide the perfect balance between show stance and street performance. At the push of a button, Casper can go from slammed to aggressive corner-carving mode. The addition of MPP camber and toe arms further refines handling, ensuring Casper feels planted even when pushed to its limits.

To ensure the car stops as well as it goes, CJ added a Brembo-based Don Marconi big brake kit with slotted 370mm rotors, purple-painted calipers, and silver anodized hats.

The Frunk of the Future

If the exterior and performance upgrades are impressive, the frunk is where Casper truly becomes a work of art. CEEJ Customs transformed this often-overlooked space into a galactic showcase. The setup includes a SpaceX Falcon 9-inspired air tank, LED-lit clear hardlines, a starlight frunk tub, and infinity mirrors that create an optical illusion of endless depth.

LED accents, a Matrix 500 LED hood panel, and purple-painted frunk details complete the look, making this display one of the most photographed aspects of the car at shows.

A Cabin Unlike Any Other

Inside Casper, CJ has crafted an environment that feels like stepping into the future. Custom Status Racing GTX seats with carbon fiber backs and exotic stitching provide both comfort and style. The rear seats have been replaced with a custom delete kit, and a Bavarian Car Tuning roll cage adds a motorsport vibe that ties the entire interior together.

The interior lighting is a spectacle in itself, featuring RGB flow LEDs, fiber-optic starlights in the headliner, and ambient footwell lighting. CJ has also incorporated carbon fiber elements throughout the cabin, including a custom-wrapped dashboard, center console, and glovebox.

CJ even designed a custom infinity mirror display for the trunk, complete with galaxy-wrapped sides and a 15-inch Cadence subwoofer. The audio system is powered by Cadence amps and features sound-deadening materials for a crisp, immersive experience. It’s an audio-visual setup that turns Casper into a rolling concert hall, showcasing CJ’s dedication to both form and function.

Casper rides on stunning 20-inch HRE 540 three-piece wheels with 7-inch lips, wrapped in Yokohama AD09 tires.

Casper’s Insane Trophy Collection

Here are some of the AwardsCJ has collected over half a decade:

SEMA Booth Car 2024
Ruined EV Central Hall

Best EV – Irwindale 2024
BEST OF SHOW – Electrified Showoff – San Francisco 2024
1st Place Best EV – Spocom 2024
BEST OF SHOW – Electrified Showoff – Long Beach 2024
2nd Place post 1980Local Car Scene 2024
Best Sedan – Electrified Showoff – Phoenix 2024
Best Interior Winter Wonder Slammed
Top 10 – Garagelife show 2023
Best Team – Garagelife show 2023
Top 20 – Winter Showdown 2023
1st Place Best EV – Spocom 2023
1st Place Best Sedan – Electrified Showoff – San Francisco 2023
1st Place Best Crew – Electrified Showoff – Long Beach 2023
1st Place Best InteriorTheLineup 2023
1st Place Best EV – Spocom 2022
1st Place Tesla – Winter Wonder Slammed V 2021
1st Place Tesla – Slammedenuff – 2021
1st Place Best Interior – Spocom 2021
1st Place – Canyon Hills Car Show 2021
2nd Place Best Exotic Wheels and Masks 2 – 2021
3rd Place Domestic – Winter Wonder Slammed IV 2021
Top 20 – AL and Eds 2020
1st Place EV – Local Car Scene 2019
2nd Place Domestic Winter Wonder Slammed III 2019
3rd Place EV/hybrid – Extreme Autofest 2019

SPECS

TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE

2018 Dual-Motor AWD Long Range in Pearl White
Premium Interior Package in White
Enhanced Auto Pilot
Wheels/Tires/Brakes
HRE – 20” 540 3 Piece 7” Lips
Yokohama – AD09
Don Marconi – 370mm Brembo BBK
Slotted Rotors
Purple Painted Calipers
Silver Anodized Hats
Project Kics Monolith T1/07 Lug Nuts

Air/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 – Spiral Hardline Setup
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
Purple Painted Frunk Accents
MPP Camber Arms
MPP Toe Arms

Exterior

Full Wrap – Avery Brushed Titanium
ADRO – Widebody
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
TesLuxInnovations – Plaid Headlights
TesLuxInnovations – Plaid Fog Lights
TesLuxInnovations – Plaid Underglow
Alpha Rex Tail Lights
APR Formula Mirros
LED Rear Reflectors
CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Chrome Delete
CEEJ Customs – Custom Mesh Grill
CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Tail Light Wrap
Blueghozt Controller (X2)
Carbon Fiber BMW M3 Style Mirrors
Charging Port Carbon Fiber Wrap
Madico 20% Ceramic Tint
Ceramic Coated
Flexshield PPF

Interior

Metal Rivet Door Jamb + Back Of Door Wrap
STATUS: Racing GTX – White W/Exotic Stitch And CF Backs
CEEJ Customs – Custom Rear Seat Delete
Bavarian Car Tuning Roll Cage
CEEJ Customs – Roof Display
Custom RBG Flow LED Ambient Lighting
STATUS: Racing Steering Wheel
NRG Quick Realease
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
AutoBeam – RGB LED Ambient Footwell Lighting
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
Abstract Ocean – (9H) Tempered Glass Display Protector
RUINED – LED Puddle Lights

Trunk / Audio

Custom Trunk Floor Enclosure
CEEJ Customs – Custom Galaxy Headliner With Fiber Optic Stars
CEEJ Customs – Custom Infinity Mirror
Galaxy Wrapped Sides
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

Misc. / Other

Ingenext – GHOST Module
THOR Dual Sound Generator
CEEJ Customs – Auto Pilot No NAG Kit
CEEJ Customs – LED Hood Prop
Valentine One Radar Detector
Ohmmu 12v Battery (X2)

Partners / Brand Ambassador

CEEJ Customs
ADRO
Yokohama
STATUS: Racing
Don Marconi Brakes
TesLuxInnovations
Mod Bargains
EV Annex
Alpha Rex
Barneys Wheel And Tire

 

 

 

 

 

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