Peter Ruza Brings 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X to SEMA 2013 with AEM Performance
- Mar 7, 2014
Employed as a marketing coordinator, Peter Ruza certainly doesn't let any grass grow beneath his feet when the official work day is declared over. As an entrepreneur he keeps two young businesses going, and somehow still managed to juggle his time in a manner to complete a project car, recently featured at the 2013 SEMA show at Las Vegas, Nevada. In reference to his businesses, Ruza said, I founded PVR Motorsports. The acronym PVR stands for Peter Vladi Ruza. I named this company to represent my older brother and I. Vladi was in a fatal accident while riding passenger in a friend's car.
"My brother and I were two-years-and-four-months apart; we shared many of the same interests, hobbies and friends," he continued. "As time goes on, interests hobbies and friends change, but one thing has not changed - the love for cars and modifying them for the better." Ruza's second business is also geared toward the car industry. "Never Stock" came to fruition as a means of selling t-shirts that express a passion for the modification of cars, bikes and trucks. Along with apparel they also retail parts and are on the ground floor of installations.
When asked the root of his passion for vehicle modifications, Ruza reverted to a generation before him. "My father, Vladislav Ruza, was tuning, modifying and creating his own parts for his Skoda when he lived in Bratislava, Slovakia, because they did not offer off-the-shelf, bolt-on performance accessories. Always modifying wheels and tires, suspension, aero and engine performance," he continued. "His intention was to make the car better than it came out of the factory. This idea is what made us purchase and support AEM products from the beginning." Peter Ruza is proof that there is validity to the ole' cliche, "The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree." In fact, his recent project, featured at SEMA 2013 was a testament to his convictions to improve vehicles from stem to stern. The car enthusiast embarked upon his first project build five years ago. During the past half a decade, he has benefitted from the privilege of working with various talented individuals and companies. In turn his projects have all awed onlookers and fellow builders. It's always exciting to bring a project to life," ensured Ruza, "from rendering an image to real-life customization." Peter Ruza's most recent project began with a 2008 Mitsubishi Lance Evolution X GSR. Of course, one of the keys to catching other's eyes is plain and simply aesthetics. That in mind, Ruza dedicated a portion of his time modifying the vehicle's overall look. According to him a Matte Red vinyl wrap was one of the key elements responsible for distinguishing the most obvious difference from stock. Interestingly, this particular modification also proved the most difficult during the build. Ruza also made other exterior modifications that set his car apart from others of the same make and model. After attaching Mitsubishi Aero side and rear bumper skirts, and a Rally Innovations Light Plate, he turned to his company for an array of other components that would do nothing but accentuate the appearance of his project. In fact, PVR Motorsports was responsible for an OEM hood, a hood scoop and vents; and OEM trunk, a trunk spoiler, SSS spoiler, Diffuser, and V-style Spoiler. The company also provided the build with a bumper cover, side skirt extensions, mirror covers and pillars. Of course, no project would be complete without the addition of a classy set of wheels and tires. That in mind, he chose 18X10.5 TSW Nurburgring forged wheels. When the time to choose tires rolled around Ruza went with 275-35-18, Hankook V12 EVO K110s. Ruza then focused on lights. He installed Hella 500F Spot lights. He also boosted the performance of his head and fog lights with EFX HID upgrades. Focusing on the interior, the car enthusiast turned to 3M for matte red door trim and chose CF to supply him with a headliner wrap and door cards. After installing Evo soul shifter trim, a Greddy Counter Weight shift knob, a Rally Innovations Harness bar and Sparco harnesses, he was ready to focus on the mechanical side of the project. Eager to enhance and dress up his braking system, Ruza installed Goodridge stainless brake lines, R1 Concepts premium slotted rotors, and Stoptech pads. Taking the final steps to improve upon the suspension, he attached Tein Flex coil covers and installed an electronic damping force controller, also provided by Tein. Crawling under the hood, Peter Ruza depended upon CSF to enhance the cooling system with an aluminum radiator and Cool Cap. HPS was represented under the hood as well, providing a silicone radiator hose kit, silicone couplers and T bolt clamps. He chose to install Megan Racing 3-inch down pipe and test pipes, and an HKS high-power dual exhaust. Once again turning to his company, Ruza went with a PVR Motorsports Radiator cover and intake scoop. With performance in mind, there was no question when it came to choosing an intake. It was AEM all the way. "It was one of the only kits that retained a factory-style closed box, while upgrading to a cone style filter," recalled Ruza. The heat under the hood is immense, and definitely, the fact that it came with a carb approval sticker was essential. "I had a great experience using an AEM intake system on a 1997 Honda CRV and a Lexus IS300," he explained. "I have always known AEM does their R&D and tests multiple styles of tubings and filters to gain the most performance. In reference to the company's eagerness to please, he continued, "I have experienced AEM customer service to be professional, fast and easy to get a hold of. When I purchased the Evo X1, I called them and they sent me one of their first kits. I have since sold many Evo and Subaru intakes to my customers, and each and every one of them was happy." In conclusion he said, Another reason why I stick with AEM intakes." Use the AEM Product Search to find AEM performance products for your vehicle. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com. |
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