Anybody tried importing a european Diesel engine

[Blueberry]

Just wondering if anyone has thought about swapping in the turbo diesel from europe for their yaris?

[Sartorius]

Anyone ever herd of someone going down to panama or any other central/south american countries and buying a hilux and just driving it up into the US or Canada? i know that to import them from japan they have to be 15 yrs old here in Canada, but i have herd a few stories of people importing them through central america. I am thinking of trying this myself, i know it would cost a few grand to get a hilux DOT cert but i think would be worth it in the end, to have the only vehicle to make it to the north pole!!! Dam Top Gear has made me fall in love with this truck

[porschebk85]

Naaa. I can't imagine anyone wasting the money. With the low price of regular petrol compared to diesel even with the boost in mileage. You're never going to save any money in the long run. It might be interesting to see, but defiantly not worth it, if you're looking for a more eco friendly Yaris.

[jambo101]

Just go to the scrapyard and get an engine out of a VW-TDI.
Interesting site on the biggest diesel engine
http://people.bath.ac.uk/ccsshb/12cyl/

[hevster1]

There are many other reasons to swap in a Diesel other than fuel mileage. One big one is torque. Another is the ability to use a renewable fuel. If you tow as I do, there is far less of a mileage penalty as well. Also don't kid yourself, gas prices will go up again, hopefully not for a while but they will. As far as being "eco-friendly" Diesels are not but then again neither are gas cars. This whole eco-friendly and "green" B/S is just that B/S propaganda.
Swapping in a euro diesel in Canada may be easier than here in the states. Do an internet search and you may find places in Australia or the UK selling 1/2 cuts which include about everything you need.
Buying a hilux and driving it up is a problem as it is not DOT certified in the US. Again in Canada it might be easier.
I have often thought about doing a swap to my Tacoma but my current financial situation precludes that happening. I may still do it in the future.
The VW TDI engine is good however they are pricey and you need tons of other stuff as well to convert it. it isn't an easy swap by any means.