just need a few tips on how to really get it clean, without too much effort, i.e. water hose and some simple green!

 

I think dry paper towels work the best.

I wanted to steam clean my engine a while back, but was advised not to because of all the electronics, etc.

I don't show my car, it's a daily driver, but I still like to keep the engine clean and I wipe the engine bay clean with paper towels about twice a month. They work great at getting grime off and they're safe.

 

The best way to kill the LT1 is with a water hose around the opti. DO NOT spray water around the front of the engine, as the opti lives there, and there's been more than one that died because someone sprayed water all over it.

 

With the engine cool, spray degreaser on it(keep away from painted fenders etc.), let it sit for a few minutes, start the car and leave it run whil hosing off and until dry.