I just swapped a 99 B18b1 into a 99 SI. Everything is obd2 but I am running a conversion harness and a obd1 p75. The battery is dead so I am using jumper cables to try to start it. When I attach the jumper cables the fuel system comes on without the keys in the ignition. The starter won't crank over at all. All the wires for the starter are hooked up.
Could this be a loose ground or a ground that isn't grounded some where else on the engine

 

Thats F**ked wiring man, definitely somewhere, and unless you have a direct power to your fuel pump.... then its not just a ground.
double check ALL of your wiring, run volt meters across anything that should/shouldn't have power at different times.... and buy a battery, jumper cables are NOT the way to go

 

I am going to buy the battery tommorow probably. I think the alternator and crank position sensor may be backwards. I will check that tommorow.