What I do know is that if the filter plugs up under the situation you are describing, oil flow to the engine (through the filter) would be nil.. Because the ONLY path for oil into the engine from the stock rear-iron pedestal is THROUGH the filter assembly (out the pedestal to the filter, then back into the pedestal to the interior of the engine).  I've proven this conclusively with my multiple cores... But you would still get an adequate oil pressure reading because the oil pressure transducer gets it's feed off the path to the pressure regulator, which originates "before" the filter in the plumbing scheme.
 
That is an unacceptable possibility that would destroy the engine for want of a "cheap" oil filter. Having a filter with an internal bypass provides that protection to the engine.. dirty lubrication is usually a mite or two better than no lubrication at all. I should have cut open one of my used filters on the set of 3 engines when I disassembled them.. but never thought about it then.. and I've since cleaned out the "factory" er.. garage.
 
Dave

Yeah; I agree completely; but what would “trip” that internal filter bypass; the oil pressure remains about the same even if the filter is very dirty; unless increasing the flow to the pressure regulator significantly increases pressure.  I guess Rusty is going to have to cut one open.

Or do what I did.  Full flow remote dual filter block with K&n HP-1 filters (with high pressure bypass); and only filtered oil going through the cooler and back to the engine.

Al

Al