Chevy used short braided ground straps because the company bean counters took the "baby chicken" approach to electrical systems. (CHEEP- - -CHEEP- - - -CHEEP!) You'll be much better off to run a HEAVY ground cable (like #0 or bigger) from the battery to anywhere on the engine block or bell housing, and run smaller grounds (#6 or #8) from the engine to the body, frame, and bed. The starter and charging system need the most current flow- - - -everything else such as lights, heater, instruments, etc. have much lower current draw, and they can use a lighter gauge ground. Braided ground straps are notorious for getting corrosion between the braid and the end terminals and causing lots of voltage drop and low cranking speed and/or a weak spark.
Jerry
