GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

So as I detailed elsewhere on the forum, I am soon to buy an 03 Vibe with a bad engine. Prices for junkyard engines are pretty high, and I'm trying to put this car together on a budget. I had a line on a 2000 MR2 engine for $750, but that sold before I could get there. Now I found a 1999 Corolla engine for $350. Obviously it's a 1ZZ-FE, but it doesn't have VVTi. I'm not really too worried about the 5hp loss, I can make that up elsewhere with a CAI or other small performance upgrades. But my main question is "will it work?" If the car has an eternal CEL due to some missing VVTi items, I don't really care as long as it runs well. Thanks for any info!

There were other things that were different with those older 1zz engines, not just the vvti...Physically it will fit.... not too sure about what parts can and cannot be swapped with it.

Well, the local cheap engine I saw on craigslist is already sold, so I probably won't go that route. But I am curious about the feasibility, in case I come across another one at a good price. Best I can do so far is $885 plus tax for an 03 Vibe engine with 133k on it. Some expensive little engines.