Answer First:
Left-hand-drive (LHD) to right-hand-drive (RHD) conversions look simple from the outside, but in Australia they often cost far more than buyers expect. Beyond the conversion itself, you must factor in engineering certification, electrical rewiring, dashboard fabrication, compliance inspections, safety system recalibration, and long wait times. These hidden costs can push a “cheap import” into a surprisingly expensive project.
This blog breaks down what most buyers don’t know before starting an LHD-to-RHD conversion.
🚗 1. Why LHD Conversions Still Matter in Australia
Australia is a right-hand-drive country, and although some states allow certain LHD vehicles under exemptions (mostly older classics), many imported vehicles still require full conversion to legally drive on the road.
These include:
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High-performance American JDM variants
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Rare European-Japanese collaborative models
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Older JDM classics imported from the US
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Specialty builds sourced from LHD markets
If you’re planning to register your JDM import in NSW, Queensland, or Victoria, a proper conversion may be unavoidable.
💰 2. The Real Cost of an LHD-to-RHD Conversion
Most people budget for the physical steering change, but this is the cheapest part of the entire process.
The real expenses come from everything around it.
Base Steering Conversion Cost
$5,000 – $12,000 depending on model.
But the hidden costs?
Often $8,000 – $25,000+ on top.
Below are the costs most buyers miss.
🧩 3. Dashboard & Interior Fabrication Costs
JDM dashboards rarely have mirrored factory counterparts in Australia.
That means:
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Custom dashboard moulding
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Re-positioning airbags
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Re-fitting HVAC systems
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Moving glove box & trim components
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Relocating instrument clusters
Cost:
$3,000 – $10,000
Especially expensive for:
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Skylines
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Supras
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RX-7
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Mitsubishi Evos
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R34/R35 variants
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Kei vans
🔌 4. Electrical System Rewiring
Switches, harnesses, fuses, and ECU inputs are originally designed for LHD layout.
Rewiring often requires:
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Extending loom lengths
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Re-routing electrical pathways
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Ensuring ABS, traction control, and airbags function on the RHD side
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Reprogramming or coding sensors
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Replacing incompatible connectors
Cost:
$1,500 – $6,000
And it must be done professionally — DIY rewiring can cause insurance refusal.
🛠️ 5. Pedal Box, Brake Booster & Steering Geometry Changes
This is where conversion gets technical.
To replicate factory RHD geometry, workshops must:
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Relocate brake booster
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Modify firewall
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Re-wire hydraulic lines
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Align the steering column
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Reposition pedals
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Reinforce firewall metal
If not done correctly, you risk:
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Spongy brakes
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Steering imbalance
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Safety system failure
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Registration rejection
Cost:
$2,000 – $7,000
🛰️ 6. ADAS & Sensor Recalibration (2025+ Models)
Modern JDM cars include:
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Lane assist
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Radar cruise
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Blind spot monitoring
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360-degree cameras
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Collision-prevention sensors
After conversion, all of these must be recalibrated using advanced digital equipment.
Cost:
$400 – $2,500
Failing to do this correctly can cause:
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Warning lights
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Engine limp mode
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Failed roadworthy inspection
📄 7. Engineering Certification & Compliance Inspection
This is one of the largest hidden costs.
You must pay for:
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Structural engineering report
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Brake & steering compliance testing
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Vehicle safety inspection
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Sign-off for insurance and registration
Cost:
$1,000 – $3,500
Without proper certification, the vehicle cannot be legally driven in most states.
🕒 8. Time Delays = More Money
Conversions often take:
6–12 weeks minimum, sometimes 6 months for rare models.
What does that mean?
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Storage fees
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Extended workshop labour
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Delayed registration
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Delayed insurance activation
Hidden time = hidden cost.
🧾 9. Insurance Complications
Insurers may ask:
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Was the conversion done by a certified workshop?
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Are engineering papers provided?
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Are photos of the conversion available?
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Has the car been electronically calibrated?
If not, expect:
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Higher premiums
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Limited coverage
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Possible rejection
This is why documentation is critical.
🧠 10. When Conversion Is Not Worth It
Some imported JDM cars are better left LHD — such as:
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Rare collector models
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Classics over 25 years old
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Cars imported under special-interest exemptions
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Cars with complex ADAS systems that are expensive to relocate
Sometimes, the conversion cost exceeds the value of the vehicle itself.
🎯 Final Verdict: Is LHD Conversion Worth It?
It can be — but only if:
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The car is rare
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The resale value supports the cost
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You use a specialist conversion workshop
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You understand all hidden costs upfront
True Cost Range After All Hidden Expenses:
$15,000 – $40,000+
depending on model, age, and technology.
For many buyers, this comes as a surprise — but understanding these costs helps you make a smarter import decision.
