how could i go about cleaning this engine? or too much corrosion/ rust?

 

lots and lots of simple green, and some elbow grease....

i need to clean my bay badly as well...a year ago i did the degreaser/steam cleaner thing...it worked decently...but if you want it to look good you have to get a toothbrush on the sucker

also, why is your horn on top of your ITM?

and just be lucky you dont have the god danm ABS hard lines to clean...oh my god

 

that's part of the alarm system that the previous owner installed

 

Just as there's Naval Jelly for combating corrosion on steel items, there is also a produce called aluminum jelly for corroded aluminum components. I suspect the car's been operated in either a high salt area, or near the ocean (Left or Right Coast (Take your pick)).
Once you clean up your engine compartment, you're going to have to seal (at least the aluminum bits) from corrosion. Some people use spray clear lacquer, others give it a spray of light machine oil.

P

** Yup, Norton qualifies as a high salt area.

 

youll need

simple green/degreaser
plenty of shop rags
sandpaper
engine enamel
and time..

getting rid of the rust/corrosion off the heat shield and valve cover is a simple process, followed by repainting with engine enamel (if you want engine to look good in color) it really makes a appearance difference.

most of the rust/corrosion problems seem to be simple (clamps, bolts, some hoses) all can be replaced for a minimal price, new bolts and clamps would be really good.