Toyota Hilux 3.0L Turbodiesel engine in Tacoma?

[bluerazor]

So I was googling Toyota trucks and I stumbled across a webpage that reviewed the 2005 Toyota Hilux pickup truck. I know the Tacoma and Hilux originated from the same stock.
The Tacoma is marketed primarily in the US and Canada while the Hilux is marketed in Europe, Asia and Africa.

From what I read the Hilux got a really good review. What really interested me was that the Hilux also came with two diesel engine options. A 2.5L and a 3.0L turbodiesel. The Tacoma doesn't come with a diesel option.

So I would like to find out if anyone out there know if it's possible to stick a Hilux turbodiesel in a Tacoma?

The review is located at: http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/N...699461,00.html

There is a link to a picture gallery of the Hilux at the bottom of the website.

Let me know.


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[neilson]

Bluerazor,

I currently live in California, but am originally from Australia. When I first moved here, I was a little disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to find a Tacoma with a diesel motor. My first car in Australia was an 88’ Hilux with the NA 2.4 diesel. While it was possibly the slowest car on the road, it returned great mileage, amazing engine braking, superb off road throttle control, and bulletproof reliability. The 3.0 turbo motor you are talking about is a real gem too. It has all the characteristics of the old 2.4 I owned, but with heaps of power. I don’t really understand why there isn’t a diesel market in the US. The only diesel enthusiasts over here seem to think diesels are all about making big power, but around the rest of the world, they are loved for every thing BUT power! The strongest point about my old 2.4 was that with a tight airbox, and a quality snorkel, the engine could run completely under water which was helpful when off roading through the many mountain streams around the Vic alps. Although I can’t be very helpful with the engine swap information, I can highly recommend it. I have been told however, that the Tacoma chassis isn’t built as strongly as the Hilux, as the hilux has to meet a much higher payload rating, and the chassis is far heaver and stronger. It may be something to consider. Check out toyota.com.au and see what you think of the new Hilux.

NEILSON

[bluerazor]

Hey Neilson:
I spent over 20 years in South America. A lot of the trucks there were diesels since they were very reliable and at the time diesel fuel was also cheaper. I was really hoping the newer Tacomas would come with a diesel option. I guess I'll have to wait.

I looked into putting a the new Hilux diesel into a Tacoma. The chassis can be beefed up for the engine. The paperwork seems like it going to be the bigger pain in the butt. You have to find out if the engine meets US emissions standards. If they're selling it in Europe then it probably does but you never know. A dealer will import the engine for a fee. I was hoping to get the thing to run on biodiesel since I can make it at home.

Anyway I found the following bit on the Hilux in Wikipedia:

The Toyota Hi-Lux has been noted for its reputation of failing to break down, even during sustained heavy use. This was only compounded when on the third series (programme five) of the revamped BBC motoring show Top Gear, a 13-year old Toyota Hi-Lux was subjected to a number of extraordinary survival tests, which included driving it into a tree, tying it up to a jetty and letting it be washed out to sea by the incoming tide, dropping a caravan on it, setting the cab on fire, and placing it at the top of a 240-foot block of flats that was subsequently destroyed.

Amazingly, although it was now suffering from severe structural (there was already significant body corrosion when it was purchased) and fire damage, the truck was still running after being repaired only with typical tools and equipment that would be found in a car's toolbox, such as spanners (wrenches), motor oil and a monkey wrench. These trucks have also been known to clock up more than 300,000 miles with regular maintenance.


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[Brian R.]

You might consider simply buying a Hilux and having it modified for US emissions.

[bluerazor]

Actually I was really interested in doing just that. I was thinking of ordering/importing a Hilux.
I was looking at pictures of the new Hilux and I noticed that the steering wheel was on the righthand side of the cabin. I realize this is standard in countries where they drive on the "wrong" side of the road.

Anyone know if it's legal to drive a car with the steering wheel on the righthand side? Anyone knows if Toyota makes them with the steering wheel on the lefthand side?

Let me know?