So, when I first got my boxster, the engine looked like this
 
But now it looks like this
 
So what's the point of cleaning it, besides to find oil leaks and allowing for better heat dissipation...
Well, after making this
 
I just couldn't stand having my engine look like this
 
So, instead, I gave it a good wipe down with some old fashioned elbow grease so get something that looks like this
 
 
 
And yes, people can see it
 
Or at least they will be able to after I install my new soft top. 
