the heat on the shifter is because it practically sits on the exhaust...nothing to do with the trans.

the exhaust smell could be anything....maybe its not even exhaust at all. maybe its hot metal. or maybe the donut gasket on the downpipe itsnt perfect and when you get on it a lil bit come out. point being unless its bad dont worry about it. if it bothers you take it to an exhaust shop and have em check it out.