It wouldn't take much to set up and old engine with an electric motor in place of the crank,an oiling system, and some weak springs.
How much variance from engine to engine is acceptable though?
i believe the variance issue has been discussed before, but if the acceptable numbers have been agreed on, or even mentioned, i can't remember. also, has anyone ever seen the ford "fixture" or pictures of it ? what is it made from/out of ? how much flex could it possibly have at "?" temperature and "?" spring pressure ? how much flex does a typical camshaft go through with the "average" engine block at typical temperatures and has varying valve spring pressures been measured at these levels ? the concept is interesting to say the least, but in the few times this topic has been brought up, i think not much has been agreed on other than it might not work due to block variances with the lifter bores. any "real life" answers out there ?
