Over the summer, I took off the valve cover, throttles, and plenum to clean and paint. There are so many little crevices and stuff -- I used soap and water and a brand new steel brush, and it took me several days (spead out over a couple weeks, since I was working and going to summer classes) to get it prepped for paint. I took a lot of time because I know that paint doesn't always like to hold tight to aluminum. Anyway, I finished it up about a week ago and finally detailed the engine here at Clemson. I used a product called "CD2 engine detailer," which works really well and supposedly leaves a protective "resin" on the parts, which I like because I have sanded down the raised parts on the valve cover and the plenum, exposing bare aluminum. Hopefully it won't oxidize. Also, it doesn't put too much of a shine on the engine and seems to last for awhile.
I brought a whole lot of life back into the paint of the car, and I'm still considering using a claybar to go even further. I plan on cleaning up the wheels even more, as well as trying my best to do something with the interior. Baby steps, baby steps -- She's come a lonnnnng way!
