cleaning a block for paint

I have my engine out, i want to paint it.  The heads and intake are staying on, but i really need to clean off the grease and dirt to get the new paint to stick.  Is there any standout product for this?  I have GUNK engine degreaser, but it seems to leave a film I'm sure paint wont stick to.  Advice is awesome.  

409, the cleaner, or the purple stuff, IDK/R the actual name, from Castrol is what I use.  

Boy when it works (forum) it works good, but when it don't, it causes mucho discontent.  

I figured it would be something simple like 409.  

What color are you going to paint the block? I'm assuming orange?  

Of course  

I would score a gallon of good quality wax and grease remover. You know, the solvent-based paint shop stuff. PPG's DX-330 or equivalent. Prep-Sol, Pre-Kleen, there are many brands but it dries slow and is made to dissolve grease. Use that with a red Scotch Brite (rough) and thick gloves like nitrile, or a few layers of latex ones. Do this AFTER you give it your best shot with all the other stuff and all the chunky crap is gone. Do not spare the roll of shop towels, use plenty. Gotta keep wiping until the rags stay clean and theres no streaks.  

acetone or wash grade lacquer thinner works good and use a wire brush to scrub it.  



Professional Hi-performance engine builder

Sounds great, any preferred brands of paint? I have Rust-o-leum engine enamel, says 500 degrees on it.  

I use Nason acrylic enamel paint and spray it out of my spray gun.  



Professional Hi-performance engine builder

damn, we aren't allowed to run a compressor in military housing