I seem to have acquired a few freelanders which all have some problems, but not sure what the best combination is to get 1 or 2 up and running without problems.

I have...
1. 2000 Freelander 1.8 that has a massive oil leak from the crank, 2 new seals and a new pump have not fixed it
2. 2000 Freelander 1.8 that has been rolled, not a straight panel on it, but engine is fine and everything except the rear window works
3. 2002 Freelander 1.8 that has had the dash board butchered and is 2 wheel drive and will not start.

Obvious choice is to swap the engine from 2 to1. But I would like to get number 3 running as it is 5 door and the others are 3 door. I also quite like the idea of dropping in a 1.8 turbo lump.

so what do we think is the best route to go?

1. Assuming you've tried a genuine seal, there may be a low spot on the crank itself that is causing the leak so you're probably buggered there.

2. Sounds like an engine donor.

3. It's easiest to drop the engine, gearbox and IRD out in one go, so why not drop out 2's power unit and put it in this one? This would solve the non-start AND the suspicious 2wd configuration (IRD troubles, etc.)

1. Yep all parts were genuine, was owned by one of my friends before I inherited it. They bought it with the leak and thought they could fix it.
2. Engine and drive train donor, guy who I bought it off spent £££ keeping it mechanically in good condition
3. yep could drop engine out of 2 and pop it into this one or strip the eclectics off 2 and see if I can get it running. Fuel pump and starter don't operate at the moment

But do I drop a 1.8 turbo into number 1 or do I just do an ending swap with 2

If you really want the 5-door, which I would (doesn't have that ridiculously long front door, easier for passengers, worth more) and don't mind doing the dash, put powertrain 2 into 3, scrap 2 and keep 1 for bits.