New owner In Ohio

[3cyltom]

Vibe newbie in Ohio. We are the proud owners of a 03 vibe. Best I can gather is its a 1zz base model with a 6 speed manual front wheel drive. Got it for a bargain because it has a terrible sound coming from the right topside of the engine. Sounds like a bad timing set or a bad lifter. It rattles terribly. I'm not driving it till I fix it. But otherwise a nice car. I'm crossing over from the geo metro world. The wife says she wanted a real car.

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe. Yeah you finally got your wife a REAL car What part of Ohio are you from? Update profile please showing this. Post pics of your Vibe when you get a chance. Welcome

[ImUrOBGYN]

Hello and welcome. I live in Columbus, OH. Post some pics of said car. Some fyi, the 1zz came with the 5speed, I believe. Only the Vibe GT came with the 6speed which would mean it has the 2zz engine unless someone did some odd swapping. As far as the sound goes, here's hoping for a simple idler pulley change or something similar!

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! Definitely post some pictures of your "new" Vibe when you get a chance !

[3cyltom]

Yes I think someone has done some creative swapping in the past. I haven't driven it yet, but I'm sure it is a 6 speed. Reverse is all way to the left and up. And I'm almost certain it is a 1zz. The plastic cover says vvti and I have had the valve cover off already. The cams ride directly on the lifters, no rockers.

[trb]

Most likely the original transmission died, and the prior owner did the 6 speed upgrade! Welcome!