Simon H wrote:

AFAIK the Carlton 2.3 lump is exactly the same as the Fronty. At least a
Carlton lump would come complete with a suitable gearbox.

Quite. I remember the petrol Carlton's gearbox also had the advantage of
a very simple single rod linkage to the lever that could be altered in
length and position very easily. I'd assume the diesel one would be the
same.

Not sure if the
Fronty box has the transfer box bolted on the end. Hmmm, a 4X4 P6 perhaps?

Hehe!

There must be some RWD pick-ups that are being overlooked. Weren't there 2WD
versions of the Mitsi L200 and Toyota Hi-Lux? And something similar by
Nissan and Mazda (B2500 or summat?). If you're going to desecrate a P6 by
sticking a diesel lump in it you might as well really p*ss off the purists
and put a Jap motor in...

A major issue is the engine's weight, which is why I haven't been
considering the chunkier pickups. I assumed the L200, for example, would
have basically the same engine as the Shogun/Pajero, which is a pretty
hefty lump.
Otherwise, I've nothing at all against using a Jap motor.
Bottom line is, I'm saving this car from the scrapper, so the purists
can get stuffed. And as long as I don't chop the metalwork around, it
can always be converted back again.

In any case, you might like to consider how the P6 diff ratio will get on
with an engine that hits the red line at around 4000 rpm...

I seldom go over that with my 2000TC anyway. And I could always fit a V8
diff.