A YouTuber known as Rich Rebuilds is currently in the process of attempting to transform a used Tesla Model 3 with rear-wheel drive into an all-wheel drive Performance model. Rich, who is well-known for his Tesla tinkering projects, initially ordered the wrong battery for the base Model 3, which has caused some complications in the modification process.
The Tesla Model 3, with rear-wheel drive, is a popular choice for many drivers due to its power and ease of maintenance. However, for those who desire more power and the benefits of all-wheel drive, the Performance model is the ideal option. Instead of selling his current Model 3 and purchasing a Performance model, Rich decided to take matters into his own hands and attempt the conversion himself.
After discovering that his current Model 3’s high-voltage battery was in need of replacement, Rich purchased a used battery that was intended for a dual-motor car. Despite the battery not fitting properly under the car, Rich proceeded with the installation of new motors, the replacement battery, and various electronic modules. While the car did start up, it experienced multiple errors due to the outdated software from the donor vehicle, which had not been updated since 2022.
Rich, who has extensive experience working on Tesla vehicles, identified the software version as the root cause of the issues. With certain operations unavailable in Service Mode, including firmware reflashing, Rich was left with limited options. A simple software reinstall did not resolve the issues, leading Rich to consider subscribing to Tesla’s diagnostics software tool in order to gain access to the necessary updates and fixes.
Despite the challenges faced in the project, Rich remains determined to complete the transformation of his Tesla Model 3 into an all-wheel drive Performance model. With his expertise and dedication to Tesla tinkering, it is likely that Rich will find a solution to the software issues and successfully complete the modification. Stay tuned for updates on Rich Rebuilds’ latest Tesla project as he continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle customization.