ignition problems

ok finally got spark and even started the engine for half a second. I dont have any antifreeze or coolant in it right now cause its winter up here and i dont want to worry about it. The only question i have now is why the ground on the battery is smoking during cranking? Also my starter got kinda weak. I figure the starter was getting hot? What do i do about that?

One more thing i am bypassing the ammeter on the dash right now cause it does not seem to work problem?

Is the engine and body grounded real good ?? did you throw away the chrysler ignition and get the petronix setup ??