does anyone know how many wires go to the starter

 

One big thick cable from the battery goes to the big post on the starter solenoid. The same post also houses two smaller orange wires that supply power to the interior fuse box under the dash.

Also one small purple wire that comes from the ignition (through starting safety switches and VATS Starter Enable relay) to the small post on the starter solenoid.

Hope this helps.
Lou

 

that helps some but i have a red wire coming from the altenator plug that i have no idea of where it goes anyone have any idea where it goes? sorry if this seems easy but this is my first engine swap

 

http://www.austinthirdgen.org/mkport...E_charging.jpg

You have two red wires. One goes to the junction block by the battery. It should have a fusible link on it. If it doesn't, make sure you put one on.
The other one goes to the positive starter cable but I believe it is spliced in, it probably doesn't have a terminal.

Lou