When connecting the negative clip to the dead car do you have to connect it to a metal part on the engine or could you connect it to any metal part under the hood? For example the two metal strut braces or whatever they are that are on both sides of the engine.

 

I connect to the bolt holding the alternator.
anything Chassis should be 'ground'. Chassis is connected to the neg on the battery. Closer to the main connection is better.

 

For a car battery, you will have two grounds, one to the chassis of the car, and the other to the engine. So you will have an engine and chassis ground.

 

So are you asking about jumping a car? then yes you want to connect to some where on the frame to complete the circuit when jumping a car.