i dont want to sound like a jerk here but i am confused as to why you thought that changing the valve cover gaskets would solve the problem. as far as i knew leaky valve covers dont affect performance, unless you let all the oil leak out. if that is not the case i have some gaskets that i should change ASAP. that being said i hope you can figure it all out and get it back together. thank goodness for the internet and all the people that you have access to for help.
I was more concerned about the spark plug gaskets. If those are shot, it can allow oil to get into the spark chamber, fouling the plugs, causing bogging. But, when you crack it open to fix one thing, you might as well fix the others. And I was seeping oil from the VCGs, so they both needed to be replaced anyway.
gotcha, i forgot that the new fangled subarus have the plugs in the sides not on the top like my old SOCH Legacy turbo. that is good to know if i ever got a newer subaru.
