(1).How many shines do you need to get to Bowser ?

I think the amount would be somewhere like 100 shines.

1Lol, it's not how many shine sprites you have (not sun sprites) you have to beat every shadow mario chase lvl and once you get back from the last chase lvl you will see shadow mario on top of the shine gate and the island of delfino, is floded

2 Ok, on this level use sprinkler squirt and when you find a keg of water throw it in a place with lots of sludge, and dont waste your time cleaning up the small spots,once youve done about 95% of cleaning the timer stops, and you should have atleast 10 secs left.

You don't need a certain amount of Shine Sprites. You ahve to beat Shadow Mario on every leve in the game. That's 51 Shines because you MUST get one on Delfino Airstrip and you MUST get one in Delfino Plaza. So 51 is the minimum I think. But beat Shadow Mario on every level to unlock the gate to Corona Mountain.

You need to get the 7th Episode Shine in every Level (the one where you face Shadow Mario)...

1) You have to beat shadow mario in every level. 2) Just use the spred shot, (Hold down R then press A) and use the water barrels. You don't need to clean everything so don't worry about small spots, just get most of it cleaned off and you will be fine.