1998 Ford Contour VCT Solenoid(Valve) help?

My Ford contour 2.0 liter 4cyl zetech has a Check Engine code 1381 (VCT Valve) Trouble...this makes my car stutter run rough etc. Now i have to replace this thing but it is costly and difficult work...My question is: Is there anyway i can get around this with out replacing the ridiculous part?