best way to clean and paint an iron block?

[SS Shaun]

yeah i dont have a way to get it to a high pressure car wash but i do have a power washer, but thats going to take a lot of time away from getting it in the car. the goal is to have the motor together with the new trans by the end of this month and start getting it in the car by feb. once i get the rest of the trans paid off i will save for my flywheel and clutch setup (about $350) and put it all together. so we shall see. but waiting until april to clean it is out of the questions