Strange swap: Check out this rotary-powered … Corvette?

Generally when you hear about someone pulling the LS1 small-block out of their C5 Z06, it’s either to replace it with a more potent LS or to scavenge the engine for another project. You probably won’t hear about someone filling a C5 Corvette’s engine bay with anything outside of the LS family. That’s mostly due to the third-generation Chevrolet small block’s small packaging, stout design and huge aftermarket support. Though, there’s always going to be someone to go against the grain.

Meet the rotary-powered Corvette. Built by YouTuber Rob Dahm, the ‘Vette sports a turbocharged Mazda 13B rotary where the original LS called home. Now, make no mistake about it: The Mazda rotary engine family has its fair share of aftermarket support and a dedicated fan base devoted to keeping these engines alive. That being said, this is not the normal path of an LS swap. It should be noted that Dahm isn't breaking new ground — Chevrolet has its own history of stuffing rotary engines into Corvettes.

In the video above, you can see Dahm and crew finishing up the turbocharger ducting on the ‘Vette. More importantly, you get to see the ‘Vette moving under its own rotary power at the end of the video. The car's exhaust note might trick your ears, but make no mistake: It’s still a Corvette.

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