need tips on painting engine

A trick my dad taught me is to get an old set of spark plugs, and break all the porcelain off. That way when you're painting the heads you don't get paint (or other crap) in the holes, and you also don't get a "shadow" unpainted behind the plugs when you paint.
I reckon engine enamel is a crock. Any decent paint will do the job. Stay away from "quick dry" enamel rattle cans. I did the last motor I painted I used a colour match enamel spray can mixed up by an automotive paint shop. Went on really good, and still looks amazing.