[bobcowan]

Ceramic coating is a Must Do item for a number of reasons. Blocking the transfer of heat through the pipes will lower your underhood temps a bit, and help prevent 3rd degree burns of the leg. The will still get hot enough for a good 2nd degree burn, though.

Headers/extractors work by creating a slightly negative pressure wave in the head pipe, and evacuates the cylinder better. The more heat you have at the collector, the better that works.

Silver looks good, but I think black looks better. I painted my ceramic coated pipes with a spray on black ceramic coating that decreases heat transfer an additional 50* or so. It will eventually chip off or get discolored, especially right behind the front wheels. No big deal, I just clean them off and re-spray when they need it.