Using drivetrain from Chevy Prizm? Help please.

[BigBadJohn]

I blew a hole out the back of my transmission last week. It is a 2000 corolla ve with a 3 speed auto trans.
I listed my car as whole or part out on craigslist and searched to make sure it was posted to find an ad on there for a 2000 Chevy prizm that was wrecked in the front and hes selling it for parts for $750 with 80K miles on the car
Heres my question. I heard these engines are completely identical. Is that true? And if so, are the transmissions the same too? I have a 3 speed auto in mine, if his is a 4 speed instead of a 3 speed, are the ecm/ecu's in these cars identical as well?
How hard it it to change the transmission and engine out in a corolla and what tools are needed that an everyday person might not have?

I have a 3 ton jack, 4 jackstands, snap ring pliers, bearing puller or separater set I think, impactor, impact sockets, both metric and standard, everyday hand tools, ratchets, sawzall, cherry picker with engine leveler, and other stuff

I dont think Id be interested in getting mine working unless I could do my own work. This is the only way it would be worth it imo.
Are the bodies the same too?
What possible fitment issues will I face?
My engine has 170K and burns oil so I think Id want to change engines too

I was going to look for a work car to replace mine but if this is fixable for under $1K total and I can do my own work it will be worth it

Thanks

[Bitter]

the corolla/prizm use the same engines and transmissions. the 3spd in yours is the same as the 3spd in a prizm.
the 4spds are also the same between the 2 as well as the engines
however! the 4psd uses a different computer than the 3spd and the computer will be needed for the 4speed to work.

[BigBadJohn]

Originally Posted by Bitter

the corolla/prizm use the same engines and transmissions. the 3spd in yours is the same as the 3spd in a prizm.
the 4spds are also the same between the 2 as well as the engines
however! the 4psd uses a different computer than the 3spd and the computer will be needed for the 4speed to work.

Well the prizm is all there minus the front end having been in a wreck. The ecm is there but I didnt know if they were the same between the 2 different brands

How hard is it to take engine and transmission out and put another in?
Is the dimensions of a 4 speed the same as a 3 speed outside? What Im asking is will I need to change the rack and pinion or whatever it is on the front end or do both transmissions have the same hookups and outside dimensions? (3speed vs. 4 speed)

[BigBadJohn]

How do you suggest I remove the CV axles from the trans mission?

[Bitter]

the 4spd may use different axles than the 3spd but the transmission should mount the same, but as i said you'll need the computer and wiring harness from the donor car to make it work.

let me see if i can break it down for you simply here...

3spd + 1.8L corolla uses the same computer as the 3spd + 1.8L Prizm
4spd + 1.8L corolla uses the same computer as the 4spd + 1.8L Prizm

the computer is different between the 2 transmissions, not the 2 brands BUT this assumes you're talking about the same emissions spec and generation. it looks like both cars are the same year so it should be fine to use the 4spd trans, wiring harness, and computer from the prizm...i think. there were some differences between the 2 cars though, but i don't think anything computer controlled. they used different AC compressors i've heard.