Start relay smoking after AAW install.

This is happening with the ignition key on or off? I can safely assume every connection in the car is made--i.e., everything that should be connected, is?

I have to start with the obvious questions; I mean no offense by these. The headlights are off, right? The cigarette lighter isn't stuck pushed in? Both are significant draws that I could see potentially creating a wisp of smoke on a brand-new harness.

On to deeper diagnostics: With the battery disconnected, check resistance from the battery-cable stud on the relay to the relay's case. It must be infinite (open circuit). If you have any number a'tall, replace the relay. You should also have an open circuit between the battery-cable stud and the purple wire when the engine's not cranking. If there's any continuity, try it again with the yellow wire unplugged. If that fixed it, check the yellow wire as described below.

For the next few tests, reconnect the battery only long enough to perform each test, then disconnect it. Don't leave it on the entire time with something generating enough heat to create smoke.

Disconnect the purple wire to remove the starter from the equation. Does the problem persist? It shouldn't if the relay checked out. Next, remove the main power wire from the alternator, wrap it with electrical tape so it can't short and try again. Still hot? The alternator should be OK. I expect it probably is. On a factory harness, a shorted alternator will blow the fusible link like yesterday (ask me how I learned this). With the keys in your pocket, probe the yellow wire. There should be 0.000 volts on it. It should only go hot with the key in "start". If there's stray voltage there, you may have an ignition-switch issue.

There's a big draw somewhere, but it's hard to diagnose long distance. I know nothing of AAW other than they specialize in GM. Is this a direct-fit, 100% OE-style replacement harness--stock colors, connectors, etc.? Did you re-wire the entire car, or just the engine/forward lamp harness? Without factory-style everything, we can neither make educated guesses nor assumptions, and using the FSM is difficult bordering on impossible.