Over the years I've had a fondness for Vauxhall engines, probably something to do with the fact that my dear old dad had a succession of motors made in Luton when I was a kid, and I guess the affinity developed from there. Even when GM's UK arm started making characterless Cavaliers, Astras and the like, the engines were still the best part of them. It's a shame that more kitcars haven't used the XE or Ecotec 1.6 because they've powered some of the best kits I've ever driven. Big fun turbcharged VX-powered Car Craft Cyclone anyone? It really is an overlooked group of powerplants by our industry and that's a shame because ask the owners of such cars and they'll tell how good they are and then probably drive away from you!

The message here is that there are still plenty of XE and Ecotec 1.6 untis around, and the earlier and better XE weighs just 10kg more that a Duratec (107kg versus 97kg) - and 9kg less than a Zetec and according to Steve you can easily expect to see a reliable 300bhp from a humble 2-litre XE engine. For example SBD can supply a range of taper throttle tuning kits, taking the horsepower from standard 150bhp to set stages of 208, 225, 235, 250, 270 and 290bhp. Starting with the entry level TP208 kit, this can be used as a basis to increase power should you desire later, with torque at 172lb/ft. Indeed many customers have followed this path. Heart of the kit is a mappable MBE engine management system and throttle bodies and as agents for MBE, Steve is a big flag waver for the company and one of their main distributors and works extremely closely with them.

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.

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.