Sound like something for House M.D.

 

The other cables in the area -as far as I can tell- are the ones for the seatbelt, a couple of switches and some lights, but now that you mention it, it would have been impossible for the OP to see any of those. And all of those are protected by fuses.

 

The brake line theory sounds very convoluted, but makes sense

Since Gregory House M.D> (this season) is under “house arrest” (only in America), in his stead, have been assigned “clinic hours” So, this may sting a little.

1) good news is your car has been certified as a welder, (you may want to use one of those self darkening hoods, the ones with flames. are nice.

2) On 09-15-2006 OP previous posted pix #3 showing mods to engine grounds (which were later nullified, stating a ground loop (?) was created). Aside from using 8gauge wire (normal to pull a permit with the county when doing electrical, of this caliber), it was also stated “new wires were run to starter”, Shown in pix, is a heavy duty universal, lead lugged, positive cable w/ aux pig tail. I know this cable it could start an old school big block Mopar, except the other end has an over size 5/16” dia lug and exposed ½” metal sheath. None of which were booted as was OEM cable (a few bucks at pull n play), and was most likely the arc point to ground, at starter case.

3) Console glow in the day Orange, the cable not mentioned by others is the trans select cable, (the OP doesn’t say auto, only “TCU”) metal on both ends of steel wire cable; plastic sleeve & lube =smoke If grounds were eliminated at eng, and arc begins at starter case then “easiest path” to ground is trans case to cable to linkage to body. Can’t see any wire harness involvement, current of this magnitude would flash toast the fusible link. Others may see it diff. feel free to say it aint so

4) There is a “steering prob” w/ this thread