for cleaning most little parts...exactly what you mentioned above. Degreaser and old fashion elbow grease..For the case and larger parts. I used a power washer and brushes, degreaser, brake cleaner and elbow grease...Spent many many hours doing this...too many to count on my rebuild
If I were to do it all over again...I would have invested in one of these...
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/911-engine-rebuilding-forum/850759-excellent-part-cleaner.html