Keeping this thread somewhat up to date.
So front fenders got some treatment to the inside. Thoroughly cleaned, painted, stone chip protected, and painted again. The outside will be taken care of when they are finally fixed to the car.
I have repainted the engine bay again and I think that more successfully this time. Ofcourse its still not show-quality but will do for me.
I also have a question. I've gotten some suggestions over time, that I should replace my original (C20NE) camshaft with a 18E one. Is this something worth doing? Does a bare camshaft give me anything or do i need the whole head from 18E?