My engine bay was in pretty terrible condition. Found a thread on stangnet and took the OP's advice and gave the engine bay a quick clean. Could have spent more time on it, really got it nice and clean, but as it stands this was a quick 30 minute job, which is about all I had time for.

Before pic:



I started by covering the alternator with tin foil to at least try and prevent a torrent of water from making it's way in.

Then gave the whole bay a quick spray with the "shower" setting on the hose. Next I sprayed a whole bunch of Simple Green on everything. Let it sit for about five minutes or so, then just used a rag and scrubbed some of the worst areas a bit. Rinsed everything off, then sprayed everything down with Turtle Wax F21 Foam. Let that sit for a few more minutes, and then wiped down and foam that was remaining.

I didn't spend too much time on it, didn't really get in there and scrub a whole lot. Maybe this weekend I'll give a really thorough cleaning.

It's already a drastic improvement, though:

 

Looks great. Come on over, you can do mine next.