I've been helping my cousin swap a 305 from an '86 Trans Am into an 84 SE that had a 2.8 TB. Where would the ground have to be for this swap. Would it make a difference if it was in the wrong place, and would we have to grind down the paint in the area to get the best ground. We were told that if we get a ground on it, the car will run. Any help would be appreciated.

 

the motor is usually grounded by a flat braided wire from the block to the firewall.Make sure the area is dirt and paint free. Iv'e seen this wire get smoking hot if not connected properly

 

The battery negative cable goes to the intake manifold, but any good connection to the engine will work. The other cable, described by Riley, insures the chassis is well grounded to the engine, and therefore the battery. It actually goes to an accessory bolt hole on the back of the passenger head, not the block itself.