Before you box it up, you must ensure the engine is "Dry and Clean."

• Drain All Fluids: Drain every drop of oil, coolant, and fuel. *Crucial: Let the engine sit over a drain pan for an hour. Carriers (UPS/FedEx) will seize and potentially fine you for shipments that leak on their equipment.

• Pressure Wash: A clean engine is easier for us to inspect. Give it a thorough degreasing before packing.

• Plug the Ports: Stuff clean shop rags into the intake and exhaust ports, then seal them with duct tape to prevent debris from entering the cylinder during transit.

There are three different methods we recommend: 

• Method A: The "Brute" Tote

• Method B: Double-Walled Box

• Method C: The "Pro Ship" Kit

1. Purchase a 20-gallon Rubbermaid Brute or similar heavy-duty plastic tote (available at any big box store).

2. The Base: Place 1/2-inch plywood/ OSB at the bottom of the tote to prevent the engine from punching through the plastic. (any big box store will also cut this for you)

3. The Padding: Wrap the engine in a heavy moving blanket. (Moving blankets from Harbor Freight)

4. Zero Movement: Fill all remaining voids with tightly packed cardboard, old t-shirts, or "Great Stuff" foam (use a plastic liner like Walmart bags). The engine should not move even if the tote is turned upside down.

Secure the Lid: Zip-tie the lid to the handles in at least 8 places. Do not rely on just the plastic latches.

• Use a brand new, double-walled corrugated box rated for at least 275 lbs.

• Follow the "Zero Movement" rule above.

• Reinforce all seams with heavy-duty shipping tape.

How it Works:

1. The Kit ($199): We ship you the "Pro-Ship Kit"  tote, blanket, foam, zip ties, and a pre-paid return label.

2. The Credit ($100): If you film the boxing process and share it with us, we apply a $100 credit directly to your engine build invoice.

To earn the $100 credit, we ask that you follow these simple filming steps with your phone (horizontal/landscape mode is best):

• The Reveal: Start the video with the open Grand River Racing Pro Ship kit on your garage floor.

• The Engine: Show your engine and say: "Sending my [Year/Model] engine off to Grand River Racing in Michigan for [the performance work you want done]."

• The Pack: Film a 10-second "timelapse" or clips of you securing the engine to the plywood and activating the foam bags.

• The Seal: Close the lid and mention the pre-paid label.

The Upload: Post it to your social media or as a "Video Update" on our Google Business Profile and email the raw file to us.