When I did my Mustang block I just cleaned it up with a few cans of brake clean.  Painted I dark blue, which is a chevy color, and red heads, and chrome and polished stuff on top.  Wicked shahp combo!   It all lasted 50-60k miles when I sold it it still was holding up very good.
Also, Napa in Westbrook will hot tank cheap.  They do a good job.  Just got back some Tribeca heads from them recently.  Spotless!