In those instances where the camshaft is checked with the heads in place, I’ll typically use a hollow ball on ball 5/16” pushrod on the lifter in conjunction with a dial indicator that has a small post on its end rather than a normal bullnosed end for the lobe measurments.  The hollow pushrod ends up being more stable in this instance than trying to use a cup style pushrod where the dial indicator is trying to move around inside the cup.  With the rocker arm assembly off of the engine, then a flat plate bolted to one of the rocker arm pedestal mounts on the head proves to be a sufficient support for a magnetic base in which to support the dial indicator.  If your dial indicator doesn't have a magnetic base, then the plate will need to be drilled appropriately so the indicator base you have can be bolted down.  Here’s a pic of the dial indicator with the end changed out to work with a hollow pushrod.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I'm working on putting in the double roller chain that I bought through Mummert. I have a comp cam's degree kit I borrowed, that is new in the box.

1st issue: I need to go get a spark plug adapter to use the positive stop that is set up for the smaller plugs. No brainer on this one.

2nd issue: The stand for the Dial indicator is set up to bolt into a valve cover bolt hole on a typical scrub or valve cover rail type bolt hole. I am curious what custom brackets you all have made that work well. I was thinking of coming off the exhaust bolt with some flat iron, bending it & using a 1/4" or whatever size that is nut behind it. I just have to keep it stout so as not to introduce any variance. If anyone has a pic it might be helpful before I fab up something useless.