Can anyone tell me how to set the timing on the 04 Mazda 3 2.3L

You may want to back up a step here. You have dove into something that you may not be prepared for. There are special tools required that lock down the cams and crank in the proper position. This is a VCT engine and the timing actuator has to be centered during timing and if this is not done correctly, you will be taking it apart again and again. I suggest you pick up a service manual or subscription to Alldata to follow the step by step instructions so you get it right the first time.