Piston piece

OK, I decided to replace the piston. Next question; New un-fired used 727 in it. Some fluid in converter, none in trans cooler lines or radiator. How many qts?.
Because I seem to be going to the place, where I pull the timing cover and figure out what cam is in it.If it is wrong, needs replaced. My problem is, I don't want to be breaking in a cam at the same time I am checking trans fluids.
For you gurus- Intake off. Anybody have a program, if I put a dial indicator on the cam from tdc to tdc, on the lobe; rough estimate of duration?
Close would help, as I'm still trying to figure out the 30 degrees initial timing issue.