ORIGINAL: zephear

Hi guys, I am desperate in looking for a variable valve timing solenoid (VVT Solenoid) for my 2001 Escort ZX2 (100k miles). My car's engine had been stalling randomly whenever I stop at lights/slow down to a stop the past week and I took it to a mechanic and was told I need the VVT Solenoid replaced, which would cost $300 for a new one from Ford. I have called several auto parts stores/junk yards, and looked at 2-3 car parts stores online with no luck. To make it worse, car's engine finally stalled and would not turn turn back on this past Friday (it turns, could hear engine running, but car would not start up after 7-8 tries). The car is sitting at a Shop's waiting for the mechanic to look it again tomorrow morning.

Do anybody know where to get this pesky VVT solenoid other than from Ford? I've been googling like crazy today and haven't found anything...Also any advice on getting the car back up and running would be appreciated. I am attaching a pic of the VVT solenoid in the car.

I am a complete noob...

Thanks in advance.