I decided that the first process should be to clean up the engine bay and accomplish some deferred maintenance at the same time.  Much of the major work was recently done by the previous owner so the actually mechanical work would be fairly limited. 

In these shots, the cam cover has been refinished using Dupli-color high heat cast aluminum paint over high heat primer.  It matches exactly the original factory finish although is probably not as durable for a daily driver but for a car that is going to be mainly for show, it provides a very clean look to the engine bay. 

I started out the cleaning process by power washing the engine with good old Gunk engine brite.  Lots of conversations about what is the proper product to use, should you even power wash an engine in this day and age but I’ve always had good luck with Gunk and never had a problem with water intrusion into sensitive parts.  Plus, it’s always nicer to work on a clean engine.

In addition to hand detailing the engine compartment, I changed out the radiator, all nine cooling hoses, the little bastard of a water plug on the back of the engine (took as long as the other nine hoses combined).  Installed new CAS o-ring, cam cover gasket, plug wires, plugs, PVC grommet and valve, thermostat and accessory belts.  All replacements are OEM and will remain that way.

I still have to detail the undercarriage but that will have to wait for warmer days so I can put it up on stands outside and use the appropriate chemicals and the power washer.