I will be driving my 91 lwb gen 1 v6 5 speed from Las Vegas to Phoenix, staying for a few days, then driving back. I have done the following within the last 3000 miles / 6 mos:
oil, filter, plugs, plug wires, hoses, belts, fuel pump, air filter, igniter, tensioners. In the last two months I have driven her about 50 miles per day now with no problems except for the occasional "check engine" light hat illuminates for 10 seconds and then goes away.
Is there anything else I should pack ? I'm a desert rat so water, toolbox, blankets, flashlights and an emergency flare kit are already packed......

"The occassional check engine light" is not normal. But it also means it's not storing a code. Have you inspected your ecu for leaking capacitors recently? You should as a precaution before you go on this trip.

I have not checked. I have an extra ecu as backup, I replaced the current one 6 months ago when it went bad, that's when I had the fuel pump and igniter replaced. When I picked it up at the shop the check engine light came on for a few seconds and then disappeared. Mechanic disconnected battery and then reconnected saying this would "fix" the check engine light problem. Monty has not faltered once in the past 6 months while logging close to 5k miles. The light comes on maybe twice a week, like I mentioned, for 6-10 seconds, then goes off. I was thinking it had to do with the exhaust, one of the sensors or something....should I replace my ecu with the other unit then, and is it just a plug n play ?

If you haven't replaced the fuel filter and don't know it's history, it would be good to throw a new one on before your trip. They don't create problems too often but when they do it's usually not at a convenient time or place.

My 1990 does the same thing. The check engine light comes on for a while and then disappears. Turns out it is the mass air sensor. I have resisted replacing it for some time and have not really had any trouble. Some of the other guys can tell you the pros and cons about the air sensor not working correctly but I think it will make your engine run rich or lean. Anyone know for sure?

update.....Im here in Chandler, AZ, made the 320 mile trek from Las Vegas with no issues at all, temp gauge stayed in its usual spot, about a millimeter above the first line on gauge, she actually handled the road between Wikieup and Wickenburg better than I anticipated, no bogging down, cruise control set at 68 mph, no issues at all. Filled up all 24 gallons in LV, put another 8 gallons in Wikieup, then cruised on into the valley with a cool half tank to go. Colder down here, when I started her up this am, she blew a lil black soot out of exhaust, more than usual, I believe that to be from the mass air sensor, and the rich mixture it is telling my ecu now ? Leaving to drive back to Las Vegas tomorrow night...

I really like Chandler Arizona. It's on my favorite place to visit when I'm on business. You should connect with JonnyBfromPeoria while you are there.

Sure, stop on by Sunday. Lordtrunks is coming over to help get the '86 running, so we'll be out front.

You too, Jay.

John B.

Arrgh-sorry just got the post....drove back to sin city last night, wanted to get back to watch the championship games today....that would have been nice to hang out tho...
the monty made it back in spectacular fashion. 785 miles in 3 days. Kept my eye on oil level, added 1/3 quart...but she managed 70-80 mph the whole way, cruise on, actually passed a few cars...ok a prius and a red cavailier... watched movie "Swingers" while in AZ, first time....my monty was MONEY.