The trucks Toyota sold in the US up until 1995 were the Hilux, they just renamed it simply the "Pickup" in the US market, much like they renamed the Hilux Surf the 4 Runner. Aside from some different engine options and being RHD, they were the same truck. Mid year '95 they stopped sales of the Hilux in North America and introduced the Tacoma for this market

I've thought about a number of engines, including the 7M. Certainly I'll make more power with that motor and it's easier to find in places like Pull A Part, but I'm leaning towards handling and the inline six will be heavier and further upset my truck's weight bias. Also, reading about this swap, I found most people end up cutting the body either around the radiator or at the firewall to make room. An engine with more low range power would be better for pulling out of corners, and companies make bolt-in engine mounts and plug-in wiring harnesses for putting the 3RZ in my generation Hilux.