...engine parts? I was reading through Chris'* thread on his Bonny project, mine is a similar deal except the body was stripped to totally bare, and reassembled.. When I rebuilt the tranny, I exhaustively scrubbed the case with solvent and a little hand brush, then pressure washed, I like to lose my mind before it was done. I am working on the engine, and I want to clean it up real nice, but I am only disassembling down to the long block - so I need a way to keep unwanted stuff out of the insides. Also, I like Chris'* intake, looks nice and clean.. how'd you do it? Thanks.. Mike.

there are a myriad of aluminum cleaners on the market, none of which i had much experience with. i cleaned that manifold with a wire brush which looks just like a tooth brush and loosened all the grease with rusted nut and bolt penetrating fluid.

is your manifold on or off the vehicle?

Castrol Super Clean

Best to clean aluminum with a Caustic like Castrol Super Clean. It will remove all the grease and carbon. Mild abrasives and wire brushes to get the heavier deposits. If you want it looking new, you will have to abrade it with flapper wheels and sandpaper like any metal.
Sealing afterwards with a clearcoat is recommended for a lasting finish.

Just be careful about what clear you seal it with if the part gets real hot.. Most clear coats, spray and rattle, will turn yellow over time. Powdercoat and Zoop sealer can take the heat.

Oh yes. I would not recommend clearcoating if heated above 120 F. Adodizing or powdercoating for high temps.

A 3M scouring pad, lacquer thinner and elbow grease is all I use on my exhaust tips and they look brand new.