So I'm looking to get another D1, but a manual transmission this time. I have done a good amount of research, but I'm still looking for some more details. Here is where I'm at:

- 5-speed was only offered on 94-97 models (very few 97s)
- 94-95 was the 3.9L 14CUX and 96-97 was the 4.0L GEMS
- they seem to be hard to find

I know that the 94-95 and 96-97 pretty much look the same (aside from minor tail light differences). But the 3.9L and 4.0L are a little different (dizzy vs electronic ignition, OBDII compatibility, etc). Is there anything else that's different? Any reason to pick one year over another?

My plan for this truck is to find another block and build a reliable 4.6L with it and swap it in. I know I can do that with the engine the truck has, but I don't have the space to keep a non-op vehicle for more than a weekend. Much easier to build an engine in the garage then swap it in when it's done.

Another note, I haven't seen many for sale in my area. I saw a '96 5-speed a few months back and that was about it. Several autos for sale most of the time. I have been actively looking for about a month and a half on craigslist and forums, haven't seen even one for sale. Anywhere else I should check?

Thanks in advance

 

I personally prefer the 94-95. I have no issues with the older injection system with electronic ignition and distributor. And maybe it was just my luck but I never had the block liner issues with these and ran my last one well past 300k.


I liked the manual seats. And I liked the seat style with the grab handles that they seemed to go back to in the D2.


The 5 spd models seemed to have less options and were often found with cloth interior and no sunroofs. Just seemed to make a more reliable vehicle with less issues.

 

here's one on auction in CA:
https://abetter.bid/en/21985008-1996...over-discovery

The ad says it's an auto but the photo of the interior shows a stick.

 

They sure don't give to much info on those auctions do they

 

They sure don't haha
I've never bought from this site so I can't speak for it. It should give a location on that page though. Might be worth going and taking a look if it's close enough

 

That looks like a good one. And it's close by, only thing that bothers me is the salvage title.

alpinacsi, makes me feel better about the 14CUX trucks. Then I don't have a preference for year.

As for the interior, manual cloth seats vs electric leather seats, don't care either way. I miss those grab handles from my D2.

My '99 D1 was an SD, no sunroofs it was great. The sunroofs on my D2 leaked every time I had it go through the automatic car wash.

Thanks for the info everyone. Anything else an owner-to-be should know?

 

I have #68 of 68. 1997 GEMS 4.0 manual SD
In my biased opinion, it’s the best Rover model ever sold in the USA. I’ll sell it if you plan to restore and daily drive it.

 

Just saw your reply on my WTB thread. I'll buy it, and I mean it, only issue is that your in Seattle and I'm in San Francisco. I probably can't go all the way to Seattle, but if you could some how bring it here, I'm sure we can work something out. Please PM me the details if that will work. But I totally understand if not.

Whatever I buy will be restored, but it won't be a daily. Just a fun weekend car.

 

Why not just fly in and drive it home?
I’ll take photos today for you.