I'm looking at my options for having a 400 built for my 78 F250. I will be acquiring a good running 400 soon and will have it built by either Tim Meyer, or a local shop by me in canton ohio called canton automotive machine. The positive with canton is that it's close, they're ford guys, and I've read good things about them (they mainly work with FE's). The positive with Tim is that I'd trust him to build the engine right and it makes the numbers I want it to (500hp/500tq). My issue with having Tim build it is getting the engine, along with a separate pair of cylinder heads and intake, shipped from ohio to his shop in Minnesota. He quoted me around $153 which isn't bad at all, but I have no idea where to take it to ship it. I've looked up on UPS's website and got a quote for over $1600. That can't be right!

So for those of you that have ever shipped an engine, what did YOU do? I have a well built 48x40" wood pallet from work. How do I mount the engine and other parts on it, where do I take it, etc.

 

First, contact a packing/trucking company and ask about their rates. If that doesn't do it, you may want to consider trip yourself (don't know how far it is, but you won't be spending $1600). As for crating, your pallet is a good start. Cut it down so that the square area is a little larger than your engine. Then, cut out the pieces and install them so that the engines nestles in there without movement. Finally, block it in or strap it down. If you are shipping the block only, you should wrap it in plastic bags so that oil isn't a worry.

 

You might check grey hounds price. They haul freight on their buses to help cover costs. Have heard they are pretty reasonable. And definitely get that box down to the smallest size possible. You pay for size and weight

 

Ask Tim Meyer who he uses?

 

there is a company here in Kansas city called Freightquote

 

Yea I ended up asking him who his customers generally use and he suggested Holland freight. I just happen to have a facility near by so that's what I'll go with.

Does anyone have pictures of a well made pallet supporting an engine? I'm going to take off the stock heads and intake so those won't be on the pallet. Just the short block, pair of boxed heads, and a boxed intake manifold.

 

I live in Alaska and everything gets shipped out and in. I stand the engine
on the back/bell part of the block and bolt it through the pallet. Than strap
and wrap it. Standing on end it takes up the least room. It is how my engine
suppliers shipped them to me. And yes just a pallet or base a little bigger
than the engine. I also would check with Gray hound if shipping in the lower
states. That won't work for me as the bus don't float.

 

What about making a frame and covering it all up with plywood so if things are stacked on top, it's protected?

 

like this?

 

No, I would stand it on it's bell. And if shipping the heads I
would put a couple bolts in the block holding the heads on.
It's better to be High and have a smaller foot print. Cost is
less. No I don't know why but it is. And you don't need to
build a house around it. It cost more and weighs more and
that also cost more. Just wrap it in shipping grade plastic
wrap and you will be good to go Bud.

 

There are shipping crates/stands on the market for engines. Maybe contact a local place that is likely to have nice engines shipped to them, they may have a used one to sell you cheap.


As a LTL truck driver I have several other suggestions. The last pic is ok but not ideal, it's relying to heavily on that strap which can be damaged by a careless fork driver. You're generally going to be paying for a pallet space being smaller then 48x40 generally won't save you any money, ask though. The point being use the space for items going with, better packing, etc. Being stackable will however generally save a few bucks. So if you can crate it well enough that you are comfortable telling them they can put stuff(another full pallet) on top of it that's good for your wallet while also being very secure for the engine. In general pack it assuming it will be dropped, tossed, shoved, crushed, etc.


Edit
Arctic has a point about weight though, depends on the company, many go in increments. So for example the difference between 400 and 410lbs likely doesn't matter but 395 and 405lbs will. His experience is likely more about container freight vs. truck freight, they do things different.

 

Well if it helps at all I will be using Holland Freight. That's what Tim told me to use and gave me a quote for. There's a location about 25 minutes from me so that's where I will be dropping it off.

I think I will go ahead and stand the engine on it's bell neatly place the heads and intake around it, and build a frame around it and cover it with plywood. I want this stuff to be safe and secure. Too much money put in to this for it to be damaged!

 

I would call the freight company you are using. Tell them what you are shipping, ask about prices and dimensions. Every company is gonna be different and they might even crate stuff for a fee. Might be cheap enough to justify having done.

 

Most engines that I have got in the last several years were in a black
two piece plastic engine crate. I had some until recently and burned them.
But a place like Jasper I would bet would sell you one of these crates
for cheap if not just for the cost to ship it to you. The engine sets neat in
them and is strapped shut. Any long block from like Jasper comes in one.
They ask that if you want a core charge back o use this crate to return it.
I bet you could get a crate like this from Napa as some of there engines are
Jasper and all either come in a crate or bell bolted to a pallet.


Here ya go you can use this one.

Just Google engine shipping crates and get lots of hits Bud

.

 

For shipping you should also check Fastenal if you have one nearby. They are pretty good with heavy items. You have to fill out a form at the website to get a quote.