98 Ford Contour still not starting timing seems to be off

I'm not familiar with that particular engine, but overhead cam engines go by the same principles. There should be a mark on the cam/cams which will line up with the top of the head when the number 1 cylinder is at top dead center on the COMRESSION stroke. All of the valves to the cylinder are closed. At the same time, there should be a timing mark on the crankshaft pulley which should be lined up with a mark that is on either the timing cover or the front of the engine. When you have all of these lined up, and I'm assuming it is a distributorless ignition system, it should be good to go.