Engine Cleaning Tips?

I don't know where to start. I don't think the engine bay in my SS has ever been cleaned. That means there's 144k miles of grime to get off. :o

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/7550/img1609pnk3.jpg

Cover all the sensitive stuff (fuses, PCM, etc.). Spray the rest of the engine compartment down with a good degreaser and rinse with a hose (I would not use a presure washer for this). Then you can clean with soap and water by hand -- might need to use some elbow grease to get into the cracks and crevices and those especially crummy parts. Don't forget the underside of the hood! Those foam popsicles used for painting are handy tools to have for cleaning. I know a lot of people like to finish with a dressing like Meguair's Hyperdressing or similar product. I just use either some Trim Shine or Z16 on the black pieces.
Oh, and get a new air filter ;)

Be careful spraying water around. Many optis have died because of that.

Cover all the sensitive stuff (fuses, PCM, etc.). Spray the rest of the engine compartment down with a good degreaser and rinse with a hose (I would not use a presure washer for this). Then you can clean with soap and water by hand -- might need to use some elbow grease to get into the cracks and crevices and those especially crummy parts. Don't forget the underside of the hood! Those foam popsicles used for painting are handy tools to have for cleaning. I know a lot of people like to finish with a dressing like Meguair's Hyperdressing or similar product. I just use either some Trim Shine or Z16 on the black pieces.
Oh, and get a new air filter ;)this is probably what i'm going to do. And btw that's a brand new (less than 500 miles) k&n air filter.

Be careful spraying water around. Many optis have died because of that.
I'll be covering the opti with a towel and staying away from that part of the engine bay.

I Cover My Opti With A Shower Cap And Rubber Band. A Towel Holds Moisture.

Yeah I generally use plastic bags to cover up the electrical stuff. You can always spot clean those pieces more safely later.

Before:
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/7550/img1609pnk3.jpg

After:
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/6790/img1809pdd1.jpg

better?

Yes!

what i found really worked well is just get yourself a pack of armerol wipes and wipe down the inner fenders and al the plastics and lines you can. it realy makes everything shine nice.