I use degreaser and a pressure washer the first time, then after that... strictly maintenance. Except when I work on the car. Somehow, it always seems to get grease on it in one place or another.

Also, beware of coil packs and spark plug wires... you can ruin a coil and cause a big misfire if the plug wire has a miniscule leak and the plug happens to get wet.

For dirty packs and wires, I use spin ems technique of using a damp rag and wiping them clean.

 

I hope you retire that towel now for engine cleaning only

 

The STBs (front & rear) are suppose to help a lil bit with the handling of the car. Mine should be in tomm but I won't be able to install thme for a couple weeks so I guess I'll wait & see if it makes any noticeable difference...but I am also getting it for looks lol

 

^ I knew I was forgetting something... they help to keep the frame from flexing as much. As your corner, your frame and body flex, this "brace" reduces the amount of that. It does tighten your handling quite a bit. (Like these cars need it) it actually does help.

 

Ok so here is how to clean your engine. First you wanna soak the engine bay with degresser, if its really bad let is set for 5min. Then use a jet setting on a water hose end , just runnin water maybe safer but it takes twice as long. Please advoid the alternator and distrubtor. Its ok to make a pass over them but dont soak them. After washing use a vinyl dressing or a tire shine, then shut the hood. Why not wax your car, or just let it sit for a few minutes. Then open the hood and wipe down the spots puddly, or overdone.

heres my very clean engine bay

 

Thats one clean engine bay, looks good too.

 

Couple of tips:
Use a plastic grocery bag to cover your alternator.
Don't use silicon sprays unless you don't mind dust and dirt clinging to it.
Apply degreaser to a cold engine only.

 

Here's a trick I learned from a friend. When painting or washing under the hood. I either wrap it in plastic. Or crunch tin foil around the part not to be painted or get wet. Works Great. Tin Foil works great if you need to touch up a painted spot. Easy on, easy off. No need to tape! Try having to Hot Rods to keep clean. But you have to LOVE doing it. My family & neighbors think I'm nuts. Until they see the end results. Thats priceless

 

I didn't think no one cared as much as myself about the Engine Bay very good job guys

 

very nice mel but dont be to sure i care alot but slowing workin on it.