engine clean and tidy up

Looking to try and clean and tidy the engine bay up and wondering what products to use as far as cleaning,prep and painting.
The engines staying in so also looking at what things can be stripped easily and then cleaned and painted..?
Any advice greatly received……

Worth havinga  read through X's thread, link http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=30482

he's done most of what you are talking about and a good job at that

Andy,
Found a place near me that will blast all the Aluminium parts, like manifold, injection parts, front pipe etc.
Ask me about it next time we speak.
I should know more on prices.