does anyone know if a zetech from a 2000 ford contour will fit in a 1997 zetech ford contour?

the engine itself will fit in the car. however the 98+ zetecs have VCT and the pre-98 do not. so your car does not have the right PCM or wiring harness. If you wanted to go through the hassel of changing everything than yes it could be done.

someone on here put a focus engine into their mystique.

Yes, It can be done, but there are MANY differences between the Silvertop and the VCT. I'd stick with either the old Silvertop or get a newer, non-VCT Zetec from a Focus. I prefer my old Zetec to one of the newer ones, simply because it has less to go wrong on it, and sounds a bit different. Aftermarket on the later Zetecs is much larger tho...