cam specs dont match when degreed

Or just put the indicator on the edge of the lifter body instead of the plunger.

Although, it’s unlikely the spring inside the indicator is enough to compress the lifter at all.
I just did a different engine yesterday with the indicator plunger directly on the lifter plunger... the lifter spring was far, far, far stronger than the indicator spring. Easy to that tell with your finger. No contest!