Restoring a 1968 327 and it looks like the oil filter bypass housing was put on after the engine was painted. Did the assembly plant have some attachment to send oil into the engine for start up.
The reason I think it was put on afterwards is that the two 5/16 unc bolts which holds the aluminum filter housing is attached with Ajax N UNC bolts which are made in Australia...this engine is a 7k mile never been apart in a 1968 GM Holden. It looks like Australia put this housing on here.
What do people think about how engines were primed for this not to be on.
See picture... I'll try to upload the before removing from engine picture.
Cheers Frank
Pre disassembly pictures.
I cant speak for the factory, but when I paint an engine, I have an old filter on there to keep paint off the O-ring sealing surface. Your pics look like every other engine painted :)
Per the late John Hinckley's Camaro Engine Dress Operations report, the bypass valve was installed at the auto assembly plant.
https://www.camaros.org/enginedress.shtml