SB Developments were founded in 1992 by Steve Broughton, a man with an aviation background. One of his hobbies was rallying and working on engines. Pretty soon and almost inevitably that enthusiasm became a business and in just 13 years SBD have become one the most respected specialists with club motorsport, fast road and kitcar fraternities. We paid a visit recently to their humble but bustling unit in Surbiton, on the Surrey and south west London border and wanted to find out a bit more on what makes the company tick.

Despite a steady beginning supplying bolt-on tuning parts, a specialisation in all things Vauxhall and working out what his customers wanted, saw SBD literally take-off within six months. An advertising campaign in specialist magazines and mates telling mates soon had people beating a path to company's door at that time based down the road in Chessington.

Fact was and still is for that matter if you've got a car with an XE or Ecotec 1.4/1.6 engine and want to up performance then there really is only one place to head for. Of course people aren't stupid and in this game if you're too dear then people go elsewhere, likewise if they cotton on that you're a Doc Holliday 'quick fiz-quick break' merchant. Steve has built his reputation on offering his customers affordable, quality solutions. More recently the company moved away from supplying complete engines preferring to concentrate on tuning kits and individual components and pride themselves on the fact that they hold more stock than most of their competitors. They also supply other 'household' names of the multi-valve engine brigade with parts for their engines.

As horsepower increases thus the tuning kits begin to add components and the TP225 package starts to get more serious and adds high lift cams and modified original pistons. By the time your've got to 253bhp and 186lb/ft torque you've spent about five grand and have a superb bulletproof engine that when installed in a Lotus Seven inspied sportcar for example, you have a rocketshop on your hands at a value for money price. Prefect example of what a good choice the Vauxhall units make and even though SBD have quickly recognised the potential of Ford's new darling, the Duratec, they will always be quick to recommend the XE or Ecotec 1.6 should they better meet your requirements. They can supply all manner of parts as mentioned from the tunings to individual components to a dry sump package. You name it and they probably not only list it they stock it too.

As mentioned they are now offering an extensive range of SBD parts for the Duratec and although a few eyes have been raised slightly at the move to supplying Ford components, according to Steve it makes sound economic sense. The engine is here to stay for the foreseeable future and takes tuning and being breathed on extremely well. In Ford-speak the unit is totally dispensable. It breaks in your Mondeo and they'll 'give' you a new one. Even the liners are cast into the block and not separate components. There's a movement starting around the engine and SBD intend to be a part of it and are well placed to do so given the credentials they've built up for themselves with the Vauxhalls ove the years. Don't forget either that the company have put their claims on show in a variety of race disciples and cars including Westfield and OMS. Indeed they are responsible for some very spiteful Westies running around with SBD developed XE units.

An example of the kits that SB Developments supply

TP225 kit for 2-litre 16v XE Engine

This kit is a development of the entry level YP208 package and is a natural developmet nof rucstmers wished to increase thier power gradually. It retains smooth poer deivery without effecting tractability. Other kits for this engine include: 208, 225, 235, 250, 270 and 290, signifying bhp figures.

In addition to Steve Broughton, the SB Developments team is a loyal and highly skilled one. Your first port of call will almost certainly be with Carole Torkington, although don't pigeon hole her as just a receptionist/telephonist as she is quite capable of answering the majority of your technical and parts enquiries, plus did I say? She also races too.

Another avenue that the company are establishing themselves in is bike engine and they are now applying the same level of skill to the likes of Suzuki Hayabusa and GSX-R1000 as they are to Vauxhall and Duratec units. this is an area that the company are going to expand in the future.

You'll also find ex-Briitsh Aerospace and rallying colleague of Steve's, engineer Dick Hulbert and toolmaker Dennis Early (Carole's dad) at SBD, both of whom are exceptionally skilled at their jobs, and have at least 10 years service each. A word too for general assistant Kim Kingham who is in charge of parts, despatch and also looks after the highly detailed brochure, keeping it updated.

We found our visit to SBD very informative, and dispite a constantly ringing phone found the whole team to be very helpful and about all else knowledgeable. It's reassuring to be able to report that quality and value are very high on the agenda in this corner of South West London.