My daughter totalled her 2002 ZX2 ... (luckily she wasn't hurt, just some scratches and a full body ache) ... the engine is fine, I just did the timing belt, tensioner, pulley, water pump, plugs, wires, valve cover gaskets, o2 sensor .... it runs great (even after being rolled).

The junkyard about a mile from my house has a complete 99 Zx2 shell, in great condition, needs an engine. According to the junk yards computer system, the engines are different from 99 to 02 ... can anyone confirm or deny this for me. I can't find anything anywhere that would tell me exactly what might be different.

I would really like to drop this engine into a good shell and get her back on the road... and considering the car held up and protected her as it did, I see no reason to buy anything different and throw away a great engine.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

One way to find out is by decoding the VIN numbers. The 8th position is for the engine. You can also look up replacement parts (ECM) for the engines on RockAuto.com and see if the parts for the different years have different parts numbers. If the numbers are the same you should be good.
Or ask the parts department at your friendly local ford dealer.