When it comes to engine swaps, trial and error is an expensive teacher. That’s why BRP Hot Rods approaches every LT and LS swap kit with a simple philosophy: Do it right the first time. Unlike companies that design mounts, crossmembers, or headers on paper alone, BRP validates each kit by physically installing it in a chassis.

As Keith Maney of BRP explains, “The only sure way to validate fit is to install the components on a chassis physically. By finalizing the details of a particular kit on a test vehicle, we can be sure of things like oil pan clearance, accessory drive compatibility, and header fit.”

Our very own ’96 Caprice that we LS swapped using an LS Swap kit from BRP Hot Rods

This hands-on approach fosters trust among enthusiasts who tackle swaps in their garage. Instead of guessing which combination of parts will work, customers can lean on BRP’s real-world experience to eliminate surprises.

The Meaning Behind “Do It Right The First Time”

Swapping modern LS or LT power into a vintage chassis can feel daunting. Without a clear plan, builders risk losing weeks chasing fitment problems or compatibility issues. BRP’s message to customers is simple: take the stress out of the process.

“Engine swaps can be intimidating for many, so for an enthusiast swapping in their garage, having an established road map for the process is important,” Maney says. “Our kits and components have all been tested and installed on specific vehicles, so we know what works and what to keep an eye on.”

That road map is the difference between a project that stalls out in frustration and one that gets finished reliably.

Standing Out In The Swap Market

The aftermarket is flooded with companies offering mounts, headers, and wiring solutions. What separates BRP Hot Rod is the scope of its product line and the depth of chassis coverage.

“Our biggest strength is our breadth of coverage, both in the types of products we offer and the number of chassis we service,” Maney notes. “We not only have engine and trans mounts, but we also have components for the exhaust, fuel system, cooling system, accessory drive, and other things enthusiasts will need for a successful engine swap. Combine this with the fact that we cover most of the popular GM chassis, and it’s a hard combination to beat.”

Where many suppliers only provide a piece of the puzzle, BRP delivers the whole solution. That ensures every component has been designed to work together, reducing the risk of fitment conflicts.

The Most Common LT And LS Swap Mistakes

Even experienced builders can run into trouble when tackling an LT and LS swap. Maney points out that the biggest mistake is mixing parts from different suppliers.

“In a swap situation, there usually is no ‘standard’ engine/trans placement, and drivetrain placement is the key to ensure everything else fits and works properly,” he explains. “When builders use a set of mounts from one place, headers from another, and an oil pan from a third, they will usually end up with fit issues.”

That domino effect can snowball into clearance problems with the exhaust, driveline angles, or even hood fitment. By starting with a complete, tested kit, those headaches can be avoided entirely.

Fitment Details That Demand Extra Attention

Maney also emphasizes that even seasoned pros need to pay close attention to details like driveline angle and tunnel clearance. For certain cars with smaller transmission tunnels, the temptation is to force a big overdrive transmission into place without proper adjustments.

“This inevitably leads to excessive vibration and increased component wear, not to mention a subpar driving experience,” he says. Getting driveline geometry right from the start ensures smoother operation and avoids premature failures.

The lesson here is that attention to detail pays dividends. Cutting corners to avoid minor fabrication can create major problems down the road.

Where Builders Struggle Most

Every LT and LS swap presents its own challenges, and Maney points out that struggles often depend on the builder’s background.

“For the most part, old-school guys that grew up on distributors and carburetors typically don’t like the electronic side very much,” he says. “Whereas some of the younger enthusiasts who have always worked on EFI vehicles may struggle with some of the vintage car elements like power steering gearboxes instead of racks, or replacing mechanical clutch linkage.”

This generational split shows why having a trusted guide like BRP matters. Its kits and support anticipate these sticking points, whether the challenge is wiring a modern ECU or adapting vintage driveline components.

Anticipating Problems Before They Happen

Because BRP installs its kits in real vehicles, its engineers encounter the same issues customers will face in their garages. That allows them to refine solutions before parts ever ship out.

“We run across problems that aren’t very apparent when first looking at a swap, and create solutions for those problems our customers can replicate,” Maney says. That proactive design saves builders from having to reinvent the wheel on their own.

The LS Versus LT Challenge

With the LS platform nearing three decades on the market, aftermarket support is virtually endless. The newer LT family, however, presents fresh challenges.

“The basics of an engine swap are pretty much the same whether it’s LS or LT, but as always, the devil is in the details,” Maney explains. “Certain things, like fuel requirements for the direct-injected LT, are different. The LT engines are also physically a little bigger than the LS, so some of the packaging is different.”

Perhaps the biggest hurdle is parts availability. While LS swaps enjoy nearly universal support, the LT aftermarket is still developing. BRP is working to bridge that gap by continually expanding its LT product line.

Designing For Compatibility

One of BRP’s strengths is knowing which parts can be standardized across platforms and which must be chassis-specific.

“Oil pans are an example; most swaps make use of three or four different pans regardless of chassis,” Maney says. “Other things, like engine mounts and transmission crossmembers, tend to be chassis-specific. Headers are somewhere in the middle.”

By identifying those patterns, BRP can streamline its kits and cover a wide range of applications without forcing builders into trial-and-error.

Lessons Learned From LT And LS Swaps

Testing kits on their own real cars often uncovers subtle issues that design software can miss. That’s where BRP refines its parts.

“Typically, we work out the particulars of a kit during the design phase, which includes altering mounts and brackets for the best fit,” Maney says. “In some cases, we will alter an existing kit to work with new or updated components such as headers or accessory drives.”

This iterative approach ensures that as components evolve, BRP kits remain reliable and consistent.

Complete Kits Versus Piecemeal Solutions

For anyone debating whether to buy parts separately or invest in a complete LT or LS swap kit, Maney’s advice is clear: Choose the kit.

“In most cases, builders are better off using as complete a kit as possible from a single supplier simply because those items have been tested together and should fit and function properly,” he says. The pitfalls of mixing parts from different vendors almost always outweigh any perceived savings.

Support Beyond The Sale

Another factor that keeps customers coming back to BRP is their commitment to support.

“We have Installation Guides on our website arranged by chassis that show the proper installation methods for our kits,” Maney notes. “We also offer phone support for the products we sell, and if customers have questions we can’t answer directly, we can usually direct them to a place that can provide the answers they need.”

That resourcefulness gives DIY builders confidence to push forward even when unexpected questions come up.

Who Uses BRP Kits?

BRP serves both ends of the market, first-time swappers and professional shops. According to Maney, it’s about an even split.

“Our ability to offer most of the items a home builder will need when performing an LT and LS swap helps them a great deal. And pros that do a lot of swaps use our stuff because they know it fits and works properly the first time, saving them time and effort.”

That dual appeal speaks to the reliability of the kits. Whether it’s a garage project or a shop’s livelihood, the same level of fit and finish applies.

Success Stories From The Field

One of the most common success stories Maney hears comes from builders who tried to go the cheap route.

“Customers will buy inexpensive universal swap mounts from a mount-only supplier, and then have trouble finding headers or an oil pan that will work in their chassis,” he says. “They call us and we explain the importance of dealing with a company that can provide total swap solutions using components that have been tested in specific chassis to work together.”

In other words, the shortcut usually leads back to BRP.

The Future Of LT And LS Swaps

While LS swaps remain incredibly popular, Maney points to the LT platform as the next big wave.

“The LT side of the hobby is coming on very strong. There are plenty of donor vehicles with 5.3, 6.2, and 6.6 LT engines in the salvage yards now, so more and more are being swapped into early chassis. We are continually expanding our line of LT products to meet this new demand.”

For builders looking ahead, that means BRP will continue leading the way with proven solutions.

Final Thoughts

Engine swaps are among the most rewarding upgrades an enthusiast can undertake, but they’re also among the most complex. The difference between frustration and success often comes down to preparation and parts choice. With decades of experience, in-house validation, and a philosophy built around doing it right the first time, BRP Hot Rods ensures builders have a clear path forward.

Whether it’s a first-time LS swap in a home garage or a shop cranking out LT-powered conversions, BRP’s kits make the process smoother, faster, and more reliable. And as the LT era grows, their role as a trusted resource is only set to expand.