Hi Dewy,
We saw a gas model american version (2 wheel drive), and compared it side by side with our diesel 4WD Delica. The gas engine is Much smaller physically, so the hump in the rear engine wall was NOT there, engine wall was flat. The fan housing was a couple inches over, because of the smaller engine. Not sure what else in the engine bay was in a slightly different location, it definitely looked wierd, but if something is different by an inch it might be a big issue to connect stuff. Remember with a gas engine, you'd have to add different fuel delivery system and spark plugs etc.
Glen at CC autos was servicing his neighbours gas delica (factory gas engine install). email ccautos at telus dot net. I would totally trust his expert opinion.
Now that sounds like throwing money away. Might be time to think about just trucking the Delica home. I know the trip meant alot, but hey, shit happens. Better to retreat to fight another day, than end up running outa bullets ( and money) so far away from the homeland.
By the time you realize that my signature has no real message or life altering words of wisdom, you're too far into it to stop reading until you are finished
Instead of shipping an engine down to you, why not spend that money to trailer the van home? Don't know what the cost comparison would be, but I'm thinking you've got a lot more to consider than just swapping the engine: the fuel system, the fit (of the engine into the engine bay), the transmission (usually geared much lower for a diesel engine than a gasoline one), the instrument cluster (tachometer, specifically), etc.
Also your current transmission is geared for a diesel engine, the gas motor may not have enough torque. If you were able to install the gas motor you also may have to re-gear.
all valid points compadres. I am still need to get under the van and take off the oil pan and take a look at how bad it is and then take it from there.