onionrst

Alrite chaps i recently changed my cylinder head on my car but was in bits for 4 months or so, and im now having problems starting her, it turns over very slow like it has a flat battery but i have changed the battery which has 12 volts when not cranking and 9.5volts when cranking ( under load )im thinking maybe an earth problem so where are the earths ? does the engine earth of the starter motor to the crossmember? or any other suggestions what be greatley appreciated beacuse its close to be set on fire!