My shifter gets really hot to the touch after driving around for about 20 minutes. Is this normal? I assumed it was but..this is my first manual car since I was 16.

The CS does that too. You can ameliorate this by heat wrapping the exhaust section under the shifter. You may also want to check on the condition of the foam insulation under the shifter.

That makes sense. I didn't think my transmission was having heat issues. But I am missing a lot of foam and part/most of the rubber boot.

I will have to try out heat wrapping the exhaust. That is a very good idea. Never thought of doing that before. Thanks for all the info!