Major eletrical issue!!

[Labelle69]

I have a 1990 z32 tt rhd auto, was working fine for a while, then one day driving started to cut out all the hicas lights and warnings signals came on, so checked the alternator turns out the power cable fried off and busted the bolt, so got a new alternator with higher amperage(180amp) just incase it was my stereo that blew it. got it all installed correctly made sure all grounds and connections were good, and when i went to hook up the battery again smoke started coming from the battery fuse and it was sparking(never touched it in the removal and install process), and i have no power to my dash but headlights do work. replaced the fuse wire and tried again and now my battery started to bubble inside and the wire started to melt. wondering what could be draining so much power or causing this problem. stereo is unplugged regulator is brand new and there are no shorts anywhere... im completely lost .. please help

[J30tChumpCar]

Double check your wiring at the alt, if not sure just disconnect everything down there and re hook the battery to see if the short is gone.

[Ace2cool]

+1 for alternator wiring. Also could be an internal problem with the new alternator. May need to take it to get tested.

[J30tChumpCar]

On my J30 there is a ground lug down with the alt, could a z32 have the same and it got confused for a power wire and put back wrong?

[Labelle69]

Turns out the ground wire had a break in it along the harness, and the alternator was stamped wrong on the back, grnd was labelled as the side housing bolt not the one on the back. swapped out the ground and changed to the back bolt now she runs great. thx guys.