On or off the motor the only way I know of to measure actual valve lift is with a dial indictor on the retainers, that is IF you know the cam lobe lift so you can do the math on the ratios. I use zero lash when checking valve lift, you can do it either way though with or without the lash
Cam timing at the valve you need the lash your going to use
Don't forget that all the cam timing and valve lift specs are based on the lobe , not at the valve retainers except for the gross lift