97 SL320 Shifter very hot, area below radio hole also

[97 SL320]

After a 20 - 30 mi drive the shifter area will get hot, much hotter then what I'd consider normal.

My radio is currently out, the metal bar below the radio / on the trans tunnel will get hot enough to nearly cause 1st degree burns. I don't feel any air blowing around and previously had I added a valve to the inlet side of the heater with the original properly operating valve on the outlet so it can't be the heater core.

The cat heat shields are intact, the exhaust pipe shields are intact on the top with the bottom getting a few holes but no where near enough to cause this type of problem.

Any ideas?
Thanks

[alabbasi]

First thought would be the heat shields, second thought is that your cats are getting red hot. How's the car running? Is it running rich or does feel sluggish?

[97 SL320]

The car runs fine with no hints of a hot cat. I've driven cars with glowing cats, the heat and smell wafting from under the car when you open the door is unmistakable, this car has none of these.

[mespe]

exhaust leak blowing exhaust upwards?