preping and polishing an aluminum trans case?

[roj2323]

Hey all,
Ok well I’m certifiably insane but I would like to clean all of the oil and dirt off of my 700r4 Trans case and polish the snot out of it.

How should I start?

I’m going to have the case striped to make it lighter and to keep from damaging the internals but what's next? Should I sand blast it at low pressure, spay it with oven cleaner, wire brush it until it's clean or do something else?
After I get it clean what about polishing it? Should I go with a brushed finish that's shiny but ruff [1]or should I sand it until smooth and use polishing compound[2]. I’m really excited about this and I can't wait to start. Any and I do mean any info you may wish to give to me would really be appreciated.
Thanks guys and gals,
OnDrew
[1]. this would take 10-20hrs
[2]. this would take around 100hrs but would look like chrome

p.s. if this isn’t the best board for this post please feel free to move it. I thought of paint& body, engine and drive train, but I thought here would be best.