[KTL]

I don't know if the flow capacity is different if you run the filter backwards on a canister filter like yours. My filter is a traditional style similar to common disposable filters. The flow goes outside-in like a common filter and so that would be the normal direction of flow.

I found the deformed filter when changing the oil and decided i'd better not risk starving the engine if the filter was indeed a restriction. So I put the oil cooler back on the engine since I already had the engine out of the car on account of needing to fix a leaky cam housing thrust plate paper seal. Next time out I wrecked the engine for certain because I under-filled the oil tank. Usually I put 4 or 6 quarts of oil in the tank and crank it over to draw the tank down before filling it up more. I forgot to fill it up to desired level and I believe I was running on only approx. 1/2 capacity. So it appears my engine fail was a series of problems. It started with a possible oil filter choke and finished with a substantially reduced supply of oil. Expensive lesson learned.