I built my headers so they will work with both side pipes and under car exhaust. Then had them coated nice and shiny.
I heard the vht was ok if you use the right one. The thing I didn't like was it is only matt. There is a guy at Penrith who does ceramic coating on small scale with reasonable prices. I spoke to him about mine but he couldn't do chrome look. He can do metallic silver and was a really nice helpful guy. Worth a call as it might only be an extra 100 over what you will pay for paint cans.
Craved Coatings - Custom Powder Coating and Exhaust Ceramic Coatings