Just crate it good and sturdy and drain fluids. Plastic off like stated. You can crate it easily with a few 2x4's. If you cant find a skid, make your own the build up the crate around the engine using wood to support the engine as you build up. Should only take about 1/2 hr. You can usually save yourself money if you have a truck and can deliver it to a shipping facility. They can unload it for you at the facility. Good luck
If you never get in touch with him again or unfortunately he passed or something weird. Your only legal recourse would be to petition the bmv for the title. Unless whoever his executor knows of the deal. In the case where you would need to petition the bmv, all documentation you provide will be presented to a judge who will look at everything then rule on who owns the car(this is how it used to be anyways). Statements by your friends wont carry much weight.
Dude that would suck. I would figure it out asap. Document everything, all the calls, dates, any correspondence or attempts including a small paragraph of how the transpired. It may come down to being your only evidence that it is yours.
I would like to get a group of both. I know we wont stay with each other all day, but we can meet back up and bs throughout the day and grill some lunch.