Under The Hood Paint and Detail

[BAT]

I see so many pics of your engines and I am just blow away at the beauty! So when the SBC comes out it is getting painted Chevy Orange and I will powder coating other parts as well. My question is this; are the non truck colored parts supposed to be semi-gloss black or satin black?

Also, what is the best way to clean up parts that are cast aluminum (Compressor bracket, Alternator Bracket, etc.)? Bead blast? Soak in a degreaser? Something else? Do I clear powder coat these parts when they are clean? Any tips and/or suggestions are greatly appreciated, I am sure you guys have a bunch of them.