Perhaps the 98.5+ Contours? Or was there not an engine change midyear, just a trim change?
From what I gathered in my searches of this board, the VCT came in during the 99 model year. Although I may be mistaken. I'm very, very new to this community. (My first FWD vehicle period.) Now, give me a Ranger/Explorer platform and I can tell you what you need to know