Cleaned manifolds?

I'm a bit if a clean freak, but I don't do much cleaning in the engine compartment aside from light wipe-downs. I'm too worried about accidentally damaging something with too much water or cleaning solution, or physically breaking something delicate. I also don't like leaning over the bodywork too much. Would I like to detail it? Sure, especially the red cam covers, but not enough to risk denting or scratching the bodywork, or shorting something out.

The headers aren't that visible, cleaning them probably won't improve the engine compartment's overall look that much, IMO. If you do clean them, just take your time and be careful. I would think some kind of metal cleaner/polish might improve the factory headers' look, but they're not that good looking to begin with.

 

I polished a set on a 3.4 once. (Mothers polish)

Here is the before & after:
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Cheater!

 

Hahahhah! yeah.

 

Has anyone polished or cleaned up their 360 manifold outer covers with metal polish? Mine are starting to look grubby and I want to spiff them up. Can I use metal polish like is suggested here? I would think that leaving any residue on them might create a undesired effect with the heat or am I over thinking this?

What have you guys done? I have a fresh can of pikal and some rags ready to go!

Thanks

 

****, I haven't even washed my car in 8 months lol

 

I'm in the middle of replacing all my sticky fuel lines so I have been up in there for hours and want to leave an improvement when I button her back up!