Nope. No alignment pins nor a crank pulley key. See what I've been struggling with now? The alldata diy program has all the same pictures as the workshop manual.

 

Does it look like the cams are in the correct position before timing is set again

 

From what I can read in regards to replacing the VVT sprocket on the intake cam, it makes no difference once you use the alignment plate.

 

So the cam gears look correct in the picture? I just thought the vvt gear had to have a specific position, but I guess I'll chance it. Thank you friend.

 

I also wanted to know if the cams looked like they were in the correct position.

 

Um, so how does it look?

 

As far as I'm aware, if you use the alignment plate then its all fine & dandy.

 

So I got it finally. I decided to use some nail polish I borrowed from my friends wife to make some timing marks on the cam gears, as well as the harmonic balancer pulley. I got the Ford/Mazda timing tool from AutoZone, put the plate in the cam slots, used a longer bolt than came in the kit for the crank stop, and torqued everything down. Made 2 full revolutions to set the timing after and all the marks lined up exactly where they were supposed to. Thanks for helping Grim reaper. I think I speak for many of us when I say I'd love to throat punch the engineer who designed this motor with no alignment pins for the cams or the crank pulley or timing marks, lol.