Currently, unless I connect a DIRECT wire from the body of the starter to the negative terminial of the battery, nothing will happen.

Without a direct connection, no lights, blinkers, cranking NOTHING..

I have new ground cables from the trans to the body, the valve cover to the body, everything. New bolts too. I have ground paint off the body. But unless I make a direct connection from the starter body to the battery, no dice!

Anyone have any ideas. I am super frustrated.

 

something is wrong with your ground wires i would take them off and check them again

 

Grounds are all good. Brand new 2 Gauge cables, no paint on the connecting points.

Anything else it could be?

 

So it worked before your new grounds? Are you still using all of the stock ground locations? Is it possible the wiring harness for the starter was damaged?

 

Harness is fine. I just re-installed my motor. All the cables are fine. Voltage through the cables is fine.

But, unless I connect a wire from the body of the starter to the battery, there is NO electrical.

Is there any possibility the alternator is involved in this?