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I would find one that would withstand the highest temps - 1000 f or up if you can find it. Most of them require you to bake them on in the oven after painting.
I've had good luck with VHT, does require some pre and post prep as mentioned above. I tired POR-20 at first and that did not work out well at all, it looked great for about 5 minutes.
In CA there used to be something called 'Kal-Gard', usually available in motorcycle shops. I've used all kinds of header paints and it was the only stuff that lasted. The EPA ***** have banned it here along with everything else that works though- you may have better luck in TX. Lately in lieu of the poop sold at the parts stores I've used BBQ paint as sold by Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal-Mart and the like.
If you want color choices, try a local Fireplace/Woodstove dealer. They sell lots of colors of high temp paint like Stove Bright. I used a nice silver color on my Hooker side pipe headers. They look really nice. Plus, with a $10 spray can, I can touch them up from time to time. That's a lot easier than trying to match up some sort of manufactured finish. You can also get the same color by the quart for brush-on.