Admitting that I only read the first page, and also admitting that I am not a diesel fan, but if following that line of idea, what's wrong with a 1989 2.5 Turbo Diesel Engine off a Voyager???
At least they are quite common over here. So in theory at least where the dimensions are concerned it shout be a direct fit.... And the engine as far as I know must be quite durable. Otherwise I wouldn't see so many of them over here...