LA Engine Mod Codes - Want to Upgrade Your Engine? You Might Need Certification First.
If you're planning an engine modification for your light vehicle—whether it’s a performance swap, turbo installation, or even a camshaft upgrade—it's important to ensure your vehicle remains road legal in Queensland. That’s where the LA engine modification codes (LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4) come in under the National Code of Practice VSB14 – Section LA: Engine.
At AutoCert, we offer mobile engineering inspection and certification services to get your modifications approved, certified, and legally registered with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
What Are LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4?
| Code | Modification Type | Examples | Certification Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA1 | Equivalent Engine Installation | Replacing with a similar engine (max 20% more power/mass than factory options) | ✅ Yes |
| LA2 | Performance Engine Installation | Fitting an engine with >20% more power/mass than original | ✅ Yes |
| LA3 | Turbo/Supercharger Installations | Adding forced induction to a non-turbo engine | ✅ Yes |
| LA4 | Engine Component Modifications | Aftermarket ECU, camshaft changes, intake/exhaust upgrades | ✅ Yes |
When Is Certification Needed?
✅ Certification is required when your engine modification changes performance by more than 20%, affects emissions or noise, or introduces non-OEM components.
❌ Certification is NOT required for basic swaps using factory options, reconditioned engines, or bolt-in replacements with no performance increase.
Common Engine Upgrades We Certify:
- Engine swaps (e.g. V8 into a 6-cylinder chassis)
- Turbocharger or supercharger installations
- Aftermarket ECU and fuel injection systems
- Intake, exhaust, and camshaft upgrades
- Diesel conversions with vacuum brake compatibility
- Emission-compliant custom engine builds
Our 5-Step Certification Process
- Pre-Inspection (Optional but Recommended)
We assess your vehicle’s modifications to ensure they can meet the LA code requirements. - Engineering Inspection
We inspect installation quality, check ADR compliance, and assess any structural changes. - Testing & Verification
We determine if noise/emissions testing is required under LT3 (gaseous emissions - currently not required in QLD ) or LT4 (noise emissions). - Certification & Report
We complete the checklist, engineering design report, and issue the LA compliance certificate. - Mod Plate & TMR Submission
We affix the mod plate and help you submit updated paperwork to TMR for registration.
Why Choose AutoCert?
- ✅ Mobile inspections across Greater Brisbane
- ✅ RPEQ-qualified and Approved Person (AP)
- ✅ Fast turnaround with clear compliance reports
- ✅ Experience with all LA engine mods and ADR requirements