My scoob spent a bit of its life near the coast and the engine bay seems to have corroded a little and components look a bit tired. I tried Autosol but it doesnt really do much. Is there anything else I can try - I thought of wire wool but havent tried it yet.

Pics to show you what i mean.

Pic 1 (http://www.auxh24.dsl.pipex.com/100_0663.jpg)
Pic 2 (http://www.auxh24.dsl.pipex.com/100_0664.jpg)
Pic 3 (http://www.auxh24.dsl.pipex.com/100_0665.jpg)
Pic 4 (http://www.auxh24.dsl.pipex.com/100_0666.jpg)

p21s and wire wool should do the trick.

Excellent. I will give it a try.

best thing to try is stop looking at your engine close the bonnet fuel it up and go for a blast

Hmm, decent citrus deagreaser like P21S Totla Auto Wash and stiff brushes and wool will clean it up, but to remove the heavier tarnishing you will likely need polishing heads to fit your drill, plus decent metal polishes such as the Blackfire pair - Heavy Cut Metal Compound (which cuts through the cack and leaves a satin finish) followed by Fine Cut Metal Polish (which will restore the shine and reflectvity). It would be worth speaking with Type R Pete (SIDC) about this sort of work, as he's got the method down to perfection. :)