I just dropped in a 396 stroker into my 78 camaro. It started briefly and stalled. When I tried to restart it I heard 1 click, then nothing. With my test light I checked for power at the starter and the fues box and I am getting power. Also my headlights or dash lights won't come on. If anyone has any ideas please help. Thanks!

 

Need to go through the basics. Does your starter/block have a good ground? The battery neg. cable should be bolted solidly to the block. Does it click each time the switch is turned, but just doesn't turn over?
Check the battery too, to be sure it's fully charged, or has at least 12.5v. across the terminals static.

 

While you're under the car checking stuff out, make sure the bendix on the starter didn't stay engaged. I had that happen to mine the other day.

 

It clicked once, and now when the key is turned it does nothing. I put new battery cable on then it clicked once when the key was turned and then nothing again.

 

Have you had this car running before? I understand this i a new/rebuilt motor, but have you started this car before? If not, there are a bunch of things to check. I spent all week trying to get my starter to turn over, still with no success. All i'm sayin'...is it could be anything, (I still don't know what mine's malfunction is), but start with the simple things.
Like 1971BB427 said, check your ground...you already replaced your +batt cable. You may have to take your starter off and have it tested...stuff breaks.
Don't get ridiculous with it if you don't have to. I attacked my problem from the wrong end, and am dealing with a heck of a mess now(some inherited, and much self induced due to impatience).
Stick to the basics, and don't force the engine...yours sounds electrical, but you never know.
Good luck

 

it kinda sounds like a bad solenoid my dads 71 cheyanne did the same thing, he was to cheap to buy a new one so he'd tap the side of it with a small hammer and some how it would work. you could turn the ignition on and try starting it with a screwdriver if it doesnt start its probably the solenoid. just try not to ground the screwdriver its not pretty