I have a 92 silverado 5.7. and this is stupid but I forgot were the battery cable hooks to on my engine. I tried the chassis and it made a ground wire smokes. so a fast answer would be helpful.

 

The positive or negative lead? The negative or minus goes to the metal part of the engine or chassis as a ground. the positive side typically goes to the starter solenoid or alternator, depending. I'm not a true mechanic, just trying to get you a fast answer. USUALLY THE SHORTER WIRE IS GROUND, OR NEGATIVE, but not always.

- means ground, earth, no voltage, no potential. + means hot, 12volts present between it and ground. You should not get sparks attaching a ground wire, unless there's a heck of a lot of current being drawn, which shouldn't be the case.