Just returned from a quick 40 minute garage stint. I took a wirebrush and some degreaser to the upper intake manifold and alternator on my FD3S and it's looking so much better!

After

Before

I admit the alternator and engine bay area still needs a few more hours of elbow grease but it's looking so much better already!

So what's next?

Spend some time cleaning up the bay with a wirebrush and a few other less abrasive tools. Once that's over I'll roll the car out the powerwash the engine bay with my high pressure gun.

The above can only really happen once everything is put together so that I can minimize the amount of water that goes into unwanted places.

Thanks again to everyone for the support!