A good ground is essential for proper operation of the electrical and ignition system. A poor ground at the engine block and distributor can cause a weak ignition system and rough running engine. A poor ground in the electrical system causes higher than normal currents to flow resulting in burned out light bulbs. A poor ground to the starter causes a slow starting engine.
A good place to start adding a ground cable is at the battery. Remove the ground from the battery at the frame, clean the area to bare metal and add a double eyed cable from there to a bolt on the transmission. I have also added two cables from the frame to the bell housing on each side of the car. This is also a good idea for those running float a motor mounts.
This article was printed in the Mar/April 2009 issue of the “A” Quail Call by George Allison.