The basic AE86 shape was at least marketed beyond Japan domestic
markets - the US and Australia are two big markets that got that
car. Do a search on the drifting scene in these two countries and
you'll see the number of AE86-base cars popping up.
Australian-spec '86s came with a cheap 4AC engine and is known as
the Corolla Sprinter. There's the minute bodywork differences
especially in the tail lights that define it from Japanese '86s. In
any case, they are fairly cheap in pure financial terms, coming in
at $1-2000 for stock ones, but relatively expensive for their
vintage. They're pretty common for engine swap jobs, there is a
huge front cut business here, and Jap-spec 4AGs are always being
thrown into the engine bay. Well restored examples in pristine
condition can fetch above $15k, especially if its chock-full of
good JDM parts.
But the nuttiest swap I've seen so far is a Nissan SR20DET living
in the engine bay of a drift '86 Levin here. Probably a little too
power for the chassis and driver, though. But a beautifully done
conversion and almost looks stock.
