I'd like to test this out in 16 with my pack, if you'd be able to make a 0.16 version, it'd be much appreciated

Modify the info.json to be for Factorio version 0.16 instead of 0.17 and it should work straight away for you to try it out

I did try this, and it reverted back to 17

Well you didn't do it properly.. unzip the mod, change the file, save it. make sure there isn't a zipped version AND a folder version of the mod in the same mods directory.

sorry I am not experienced in this... I just tried it from a friend modifying it, still no good.
will try myself with this set of info