VTHokie77Vette, (gee, that's a mouth-full, or is that keyboard-full)

I think you've convinced me on the Jet-Hots AND the heat shields.  They look great on your car.  The shields blend in and make the pipe look even bigger.  :-)  I did not know anyone made the shields.  Fantastic!  Regarding the Jet-hot, I didn't know you could clean them up with an abrasive, so that is a big plus.  From what I've heard, the resistance to rust is also fantastic.

Last emissions check is in November/December, then I can install the headers and pipes.  I'll post pics when done.  Thanks everyone for your feedback!

Jet Hot coatings are what I used on my car.  I wouldn't recommend anything else.  also, boo Hooker mufflers.  Spiral Turbos for the win!

http://www.spiralturbobaffles.com/

they sound great when you lay into it, but they're not monsters at idle or partial throttle.  As for heat shields, I didn't bother, but do what you like.  My girlfriend learned the first time she rode in a skirt that sidepipes = heat.  A lesson she'll not soon forget!

http://www.c3vr.com/member_uploads/6601_6700/6623/corvette%2 0street.jpg

Thanks again.  I forgot to mention that the Spiral Turbo mufflers were also part of my plan.  Everyone says they sound awesome, plus from what I've read the hooker flow-thru muffler would be too loud for me and the reverse-flow not enough like a sidepipe.

I have to say, I am EXTREMELY psyched that I have discovered a solution that addresses all of my concerns: noise level, burns and heat.  I was starting to think that the pipes were just going to be too much of a compromise for me.  If anyone reading this has not seen pics of the latest Jet-Hot coating, "Sterling", you really need to check it out before you assume Jet-Hot is not shiny enough and order chrome exhaust components.  It's not quite like chrome, more like zink, but I like the look and it has so many other positive qualities...