So I was driving home from LA on Saturday (normal LA traffic, bumper to bumper for 25 miles from the 101/110/10/60 whatever interchange to Pomona) ... I noticed for the first time that the boot around the stick shift was really warm.

It wasn't burning, but it was enough to concern me. Is this just normal and something I've never noticed before? Am I shifting to hard / too much sitting in traffic?

 

It's normal. The hottest parts of the exhaust sit underneath the floor in that area, and since you arent moving forward, there is no airflow under the car to keep that area cooler.

 

yeah, the Cat is right under there and it gets pretty hot. I notice that mine gets warm when I am just sitting in rush hour. If you are concerned you can jack it up and take a peak at the heat shield, but I doubt there is anything wrong with it. If there were, you would be smelling melting plastic

 

Thanks kibosh & Greatbear! I can continue my happy motoring without worrying!