Bought the "new" TDR, just for test, and my 1st setap looks awesome. On 6th match 824 damage, with 1/3 XP TDR-5S Cheap, heavy, fast, deadly. XL engine use is ok, CT/ST balanced. I can offer for new players!
Well.. I wouldn't say fast or cheap, since you're running a pretty low-rated XL engine. XL275 weighs as much as an XL280, you're better off getting that instead of the XL275 (unless you're using a hunchback which can't mount more than 275 or the engine from the SHD-5M) As far as the build goes, that's some neat heat efficiency, but in my experience it's 'too efficient', as when you're only using the autocannons at range you cool faster than you generate heat without efficiencies. By removing 2 DHS you can mount an XL300 which is a good choice as it gives much more maneuverability (engine rating affects torso twist). You should put at least 1 ammo in the head, the chance that they hit you there is so small, that if they hit you there you're likely dead anyway. Removing some DHS and putting it in the higher engine also gives room to mount EndoSteel (a pretty cheap upgrade compared to DHS) which gives you enough tonnage to upgrade an ML into a large laser (with some effort maybe a large pulse laser if you want to brawl). It puts it dangerously close to this build: http://www.mechspecs.com/forum/index.php?topic=4837.0 but it does make your current configuration a lot better.
