Project car: assuming bad starter relay. Confirm?

That may not be large enough wires to carrythe current needed by the starter solenoid.

Jump it this way - which more directly feeding the starter solenoid from the battery.
That's what the erlay should be doing internally.
View attachment 1715494190

Of course make sure the car is out of gear and hand brake on.
A screwdriver with insulated handle will work.

If the solenoid doesn't engage or at least click, check the starter and rechack the battery and battery cable connection.
A charged battery with no load should be 12.5 to 12.8 V
During starting it may drop. if it drops below 9 or 10 its on the weak side.

Thanks! I’m at 12.7 volts, and really just verifying the basics right now. No alternator, radiator, drive shaft, etc... Do have new RobbMC starter. electronic regulator, Ballast resistor, and ECU, however.