I am suspecting I have a problem on my #7 exhaust lifter or cam. After visual inspection it does not look like it is rocking as much as the others while cranking. The the rocker and spring look normal from what I can see while assembled. I am have a popping in the manifold at higher rpm's along with lack of power. I am about to attempt a static and dynamic compression test as suggested on several other posts here. My question is when doing the dyanmic check, what is the best way to ground out the unused plug wire?

If you are worried about a lobe flattening on you, I would suggest just cutting to the chase and put a dial indicator on the pushrod, and measuring lobe lift. That will tell you right away. Sorry to hear the bad news.

Randy