Strange start up after oil change

[snsjets]

I have a '01 7.3L, totally stock. Yesterday I changed the oil using Amsoil 15W-40. The engine did not get started until today because I was waiting for my K&N to dry out.
On start, the engine ran/sounded normal even with no oil pressure indicated for about 10-12 seconds. Then right before the oil pressure rose to normal there was a large surge in the engine, almost as if it was about to die until the oil pressure came up. This has never happened. I can't imagine this engine locking a cylinder with 15 qts of oil in the bottom.
Has anyone seen this before? Would the engine electronics freak with no oil pressure?
Note: I was lazy and did not fill the filter with oil beforehand. Should I?

Thanks for any info.