I ordered a TDR SBC kit for a 1/12 '78 Corvette kit that I bought years ago. The kit engine is awful to say the least. The TDR engine will really make a difference.

I chose the Muncie manual trans, finned valve covers and shorty headers. I also picked up the optional alternator & starter but chose not to use them here - instead using the kit versions. I used other parts from the kit engine including AC compressor, power steering pump, fan & accessory brackets

This was my first TDR kit since their affiliation with Shapeways and I was quite impressed with the quality and detail. Everything cleaned up nicely. One thing I found useful was to shoot the opaque parts with thin white primer as it made it easier to see the details.

Everything seen here is compression or press fit except the starter, distributor base and a scratchbuilt "bellhousing adaptor" (basically a piece that holds the engine together and allows the transmission to be easily attached to the engine.

Note the gasket detail which also doubles as mounts for the heads and valve covers. I used .020 sheet but that turned out to be slightly out of scale. I may make new gaskets using .010 or .015 and see if it makes a difference.

I included photos of the kit engine for comparison.

There is much detailing yet to go but I wanted to show the progress.