It makes sense to pre-fill. When it starts pumping oil, it goes from the sump into the filter, then to the cams and lifters. It has to fill the passages from sump to filter, then fill the filter if you haven't pre-filled. That's almost another quart it has to pump before it even starts going up to the cams.

These engines have to have a filter with a GOOD anti-drainback valve. Otherwise they would be noisy every morning.

 

I'd never do it for the simple reason of spilling all over the place and it seems like splitting hairs, but do what makes you sleep better. Buddy says he did it and it made noise so.... All I can say is mine with all my own oil changes, Fram filters too even and 5w-30 runs mint. The oil is a darker shade of brown when changing still and never have to add. Why the difference in 2v vs 3v? None that I can tell ya, I built both on the same line and certain things were different like the head itself and exterior items. Below that, nothing is different. If I'm not mistaken, even the block, crank, rods are the same, pistons I believe were a bit different. The oil pump? Same. Pre-filling wouldn't hurt as it would then be like a regular condition beit like starting after it's been sitting a bit.

 

Have no clue why the 3v do what they do. I had an 01 and never pre-filled. Never any noise either. Now having an 04 and 07, I always pre-fill. I have no problem with spilling anything as even with half a quart or more in the filter, if you roll it around a bit, it will not spill when you turn it on the side to screw on. If you filled it to the top, it probably would butnot if you are careful.
As far as the Frams, if you read the 04 up forum, many that have had the noise problem, had used Frams and once they switched, had no problem.

 

well it sounds like a bit of noise like I am getting is not out of the norm .. thanks for all the replies. The idea of it running away from the pickup is interesting and I might roll it off the ramps and let it sit for a minute the next time just to see if it helps. Thanks again.