is this normal?
 

so i have an 88 vert and i was driving it today and noticed alot of heat was coming up from around the shifter causing the boot to get very hot idk if it has done this b4 its just the first time i noticed i dont drive it that often

You have other rubber boots under that one you need to see if are torn and in place. Also can make sure trans is full of oil and exhaust isnt getting to hot

usually heat rising from that area is from restrictive exhaust, your cats may be getting clogged up.