[murn]

AFJ, I triple checked the position yesterday with the third method that was suggested by AE1969 (since I could not lift my car enough to see the flywheel, I need a new jack). I took out spark plug #1 and inserted a long dowel. The dowel continued to rise to the TDC mark on the cam sprocket and immediately fell after the mark was passed, I could also visually see the piston rise and fall as TDC was passed on the cam sprocket.
So I think I'm good there.

I will have to check compression when I get home later today. I've been told there is little value in cold compression numbers. I'm assuming that if I get some really low numbers I'm gonna be replacing some valves.

One followup question. The belts are tensioned fine now but while hand turning the crank there are positions when it turns very easily and some postions that require much more effort. Can anyone offer an explanation?

Crossing fingers too.

Thanks for all the advice so far, stay tuned.