Fitting a different Toyota engine to an IQ Gearbox?

[uncle silvia]

Hello all from the UK 🇬🇧 👋🏻

Ok, I know the picture isn’t of an IQ, but please hear me out……. I need your help!!
😁👍

Here is my rare 1998 Subaru Domingo that was imported from Japan at some point.

I bought it recently with no engine fitted (came with 2 which are 1200cc 3cyl with 61bhp) but had a dead CVT gearbox. I’m hoping to put it back on the road as a fun daily driver.

I’ve been looking around for a replacement gearbox which now seems impossible in the UK and still very difficult in the rest of Europe where some of these were sold!

So this now leads me to consider totally different engine options but on a budget!?

The van being rear engined and RWD and the engine being under the boot floor, limits my options. I also want it to be fun but reliable enough for daily driving. I do have scope to put an engine up through the boot floor hatch though.

I’m also a massive Toyota fan and have a 1981 Toyota Corolla that’s getting a Lexus V8 put in it. If I can put a Toyota engine in the van it will be a perfect fit in the set! 👍

Because of the unusual layout, the engine needs to be at the back of the van with the driveshafts infront (bit like a 911 lol). Most FWD setups have the driveshafts behind the engine BUT the IQ has the ideal gearbox with the driveshafts in front.
However I’m trying to keep it to a simple older engine with minimum electronics so was wondering if something like a simple 90s Toyota 1600cc or similar would mate to the IQ box or could be made too? Is the bell housing similar to anything else? Has anything similar ever been done?? 

I’m looking to get something around 100bhp in there to give it a bit more poke, help it keep up with modern traffic well and just for a giggle 🤭.

How reliable are the IQ boxes and I’m assuming they are a simple mechanical shifter type? 

Any thoughts and assistance would be gratefully received and if I go ahead with this of course I’ll keep you posted 😁

Thank You