1) Is it OK to run my ground strap to Aluminum head or does it have to go on engine block somewhere. I also have a 1 wire alternator and they say to have a good ground to block. I wouldn't ground to aluminum just because of possible metal reactions, though it would probably be just fine.
2) My original braided ground strap is stuffed. Can I replace it with a piece of battery cable. Yes you can as long as it is a decent quality cable with good connections.