Understanding The Changes
Starting in 1992, with the introduction of reformulated gasoline, began the complaints of fuel related problems, vapor lock being the most common. The new RFG fuel contains what are called oxygenates, which are air molecules added to the gasoline during refining, to result in a cleaner burning fuel.

Most modern cars are fuelinjected and therefore have plenty of fuel system pressure (30-65 pounds). By contrast vintage vehicles have limited fuel system pressure (often between 3 and 8 pounds). That is why vintage fuel systems have begun experiencing vapor lock problems more often in recent years. The modern fuels tend to vaporize more readily often before they reach the mechanical fuel pump. Additives such as alcohol can also affect vintage fuel systems.

So...what is the solution?
Adding an electric fuel pump has almost become a necessity. The new RFG fuel evaporates very rapidly, especially in the summertime. You need a fuel pump that will pump alcohol, all fuel additives, and the RFG gasoline without failure. Also important is to find a fuel pump that maintains the original fuel pump pressure, while increasing the volume of fuel delivered. Too much fuel pump pressure against the needle and seat in the carburetor will result in the carburetor flooding over.

Fifth Avenue offers a gear driven electric fuel pump that pumps alcohol, most any fuel additive, and the RFG fuels without failure. This gear driven fuel pump works much like the oil pump inside of the engine and maintains the stock fuel pump pressure while increasing the volume of fuel delivered.

Gear driven electric fuel pumps are quiet, and a great way to overcome vapor lock, and increase the reliability of your fuel system. Fifth Avenue has them for both 6 volt and 12 volt applications.

In 1989 Fifth Avenue got involved with the participants of the Interstate Batteries Great American Race. Knowing their alternators worked great in non-race applications, it was time to find out how well their alternators were really built. The first application to use their alternator was a 1936 Cord owned by Bud and Marylin Melby of Seattle, Washington. Cord vehicles are totally electric shift. In addition the overdrive is also run by an electric solenoid.

In preparation for the race an electric radiator cooling fan was also added along with a pair of electric fuel pumps. The race was to be 4,250 miles across the United States in just 14 days. This was to be a good test for the alternator. The Cord did well that year, placing in the top 10. The alternator performed without a hitch. That alternator went on to run in two more Great American Races without failure.

Another Great Racer, Howard Sharp of Fairport New York was keeping an eye on the new 6-volt alternator to see how it performed. Howard’s car, a 1929 Dodge Sport Roadster (one of only 1200 made) was also having generator problems. The electrical load was just too great for the original generator, especially with the extra’s added.

After watching the alternator in the 1989 and 1990 races, Howard installed one on his 1929 Dodge. “I watched that alternator for two years, and I couldn’t believe something that simple to install could be that damn reliable.”I put one on my car and couldn’t believe the difference! If you’re gonna race you gotta have one!”

Fifth Avenue's 6 volt Alternator installed on Howard Sharp's 1929 Roadster.

Howard raced his 1929 Dodge in the 1991 and 1992 races and really stress tested the 6-volt alternator. It survived with flying colors. In 1993 Howard again entered and won the Sportsman’s class yielding him $30,000 and a new 1993 Buick Roadmaster. The 6-volt alternator on his car was the very same alternator he installed in 1991 and had not been serviced. That alternator is now on display in Fifth Avenue’s show room.