Circuit #16 comes from the I1 terminal on the ignition switch and goes to the positive side of the coil. It has nothing to do with the starter solenoid. If you have a point distributor (Prestolite or Holley) then you need a resistance in this #16 circuit. If you have an electronic distributor (Holley or Prestolite) you do not want any resistance in circuit #16.
The starter solenoid has three terminals (excluding the one connected to the starter). For electronic ignition the "R" terminal is not used. The wiring going to the "S" terminal is circuit #17 and comes from the "S" terminal of the ignition switch. If there is 727 then circuit #17 goes through a relay under the dash on it's way to the "S" terminal of the solenoid.
If you have a point distributor then you should also have a wire running from the "R" terminal on the solenoid to the coil positive which provides full battery voltage to the coil positive when the solenoid is energized only. This "R" circuit provides full battery voltage to help start the engine. Otherwise the "R" terminal has no voltage. And circuit #16 should have a resistance (special wire or a ballast resister) in the circuit to knock down the voltage to ~8v-9v to save wear and tear on the points.
On an SV engine (266, 304, 345, 392) the starter solenoid is mounted on the side of the starter so the "R" terminal is at the top and the "S" terminal is on the bottom.
BTW, you said, "... i have a prestolite so from what i can tell i will need the resistor...". IH used both point type and electronic Prestolite distributors in the SII's so just mentioning the brand is not enough info to know which you have.
Last edited by a moderator: Feb 2, 2006