I have most of the engine in and put together, but the ground cable is left. Mine is a negative battery cable, maybe 24" long. Where would be a good place to hook it up? I don't remember where it was originally. I need to keep it out of the way of moving and hot parts...
I believe mine goes to a bolt on the lower passenger side of the block. But i'm just trying to go from memory.
remember Rick Books head prob....not enough ground cables... http://www.radiatorreporter.com/electrol.html.
I highly recommend running a ground to the base of the voltage regulator too. Thats the way the factory ground cable was.
Mine IS a battery cable. When I first got the car, I couldn't figure out what this one rusty piece of cable was, with most of the insulation rotted and crusting off. Then when I ran my battery to the trunk, I replaced ALL of those cables, and used pre-cut battery cables. I figured that the electrical system can only run as much juice as can run through the battery cables, so I shouldn't need anything more than "a battery cable" as a ground... Really just needed suggestions for where I can run it where it is out of sight and out of "harms way" from moving parts and hot items. Which is pretty much NOWHERE under our cars with headers
You need to run a cable to the frame, from the frame to the engine and from the engine to the alternator and starter. One ground cable isn't enough to ground all the components properly.
...another tid-bit i found... Occasionally, an engine will have a poor ground, and electricity will seek ground through the throttle cable, making it hot enough to melt the plastic housing. If you see evidence of a hot throttle cable, be sure to check your engine to chassis ground. ...Frank...:Handshake
That's a new one for me. I have heard that grounding can occur through the drivetrain causing internal failures.
