taylorbg

I just put headers on my 77 with automatic transmission. I put these on last week. I had it up on a lift today at the shop where the transmission leaks are being looked at. I noticed that the headers are touching the starter ground wire. I have not done much driving since the headers, nothing more than around the block, and the wire is already melting (no surprise). The mechanic said there are short starters that would give me more room, but I do not want to spend the money on a new starter if I do not have to. Are there any longer ground wires so I can reroute it, or some steel ground wires? What do you guys suggest I do?
Thanks.

myk7

Yeah, you can get about any length ground cable you want at the auto parts stores. Also, it doesn't have to go to the starter, mine doesn't. There should be a threaded boss on the right side of the block or in the front of the block too.

KapsSA

When I had headers on my 79 I moved the starter end of the big ground cable to the front of the motor.
By the fuel pump there's a bolt around the corner for the AC lower brace. That was my new hookup.

taylorbg

Oh, so it is not a ground for the starter. I will probably just move it then. Thanks.

gcusmano74

That cable is not just for the starter. It electrically connects the engine block to the frame. If you need to move it away from the headers, fine, but you need to replace it somewhere else. Otherwise there will be no ground for the starter, distributor or alternater. Nothing will work.

Mgrad92

Just ran into the exact same problem on my 81. Had to take off the right side header to get enough clearance to take off the ground cable. Good thing I went through the effort because the cable was fried. It would have failed in another couple hundred miles anyhow.
Looks like I'll use the same length cable and run it to the lower A/C bracket where KapsSA recommends.

bobs77vet

the hi torque mini starters are great for headers since they are smaller they dont quite get so hot...

taylorbg

Just got done moving that wire. I bought a new one, and took the end that was connected the the starter bracket, and moved it to the air conditioner bracket.

I was curious, so after I took the old one off, and before I put the new one on, I tried to crank it. The engine was turning over, so there was still power. I didn't try to fully start it. Just wanted to see if it would have lost all power like some had said. Either way, once I got it all back together again, it cranked right up.

While I was under there, I went ahead and replaced the charcoal canister that I had bought about 2 years ago and never put on.

I sure do wish I could stay as clean those guys on tv. oh well, what fun is it if you don't get dirty.

Thanks for the info on that cable guys.

Ret.Horsecop13

I just put one on this week. You can get one real cheap on fleabay.

gcusmano74

I'm going to guess that the engine was finding it's ground through the drive shaft or clutch linkage. Not a good long term situation.

69Vett

trying to start with no Motor GNd. wire in place,
can burn up other wiring,... DO NOT DO THAT.
(you go lucky this time) and did not toast other wires.

your pulling a couple hundred amps to the starter.