Best way I've found:
Rinse down engine bay with a regular hose, low pressure. Don't worry, everything can get wet but use common sense (don't go soaking the dist or something)
Spray everything with Simple Green (except for obvious things...dist, etc). Let sit for 5-10 min.
Brush everything you can reach with a soft bristled brush.
Rinse again with the low pressure hose to get all the simple green off everything.
Lastly, I use a product called CD2. Only place I've found it was in Autozone, in the brake fluid area. It's an engine detailer that works very well. Just spray it on the entire motor (follow the directions, don't spray it on the belts, dist, etc), drive the car around for 5 min and come back to enjoy your freshly cleaned engine.
The CD2 stuff makes your hoses look new again and cleans up all the black pieces. :headbang: