i just put a 383 crate in my 84 and went to crank it and the ground wire off the battery got really hot and started smoking. Does anyone have a clue what it could be? how many wires run to the starter?

 

The starter only needs 1 heavy cable to the battery and a wire for the solenoid to operate. The battery stud is used as a distribution point for all sorts of other engine wiring, though.

Which ground wire on the battery started smoking?

 

The negative battery cable bolted to the body.

 

You're missing the ground bolted to the engine.

 

The wire that comes from the firewall to the intake?

 

No, the one that goes directly from the battery terminal to the engine.

 

Okay I'll check that. Thanks man.