variocam actuator question. 1341 and 1325 cel

[Bsimpson]

My first post.  Absolutely love this forum and it's been unbelievably helpful over the years.  Previous car was a 99 Boxster.  I now have a Ocean Blue Metallic 2000 996 C2 cabriolet 156,000 miles. 

Background... Purchased the car fromTexas last year,  knowing it was a project (I live in Missouri).   The previous owner had just had a mechanic in Texas install a new LN  IMS and replaced the variocam actuators.

For the last 9 months I've been rehabbing everything I can on the car.  Coilovers, and lots of other new suspension parts, new clutch, cat delete crossover pipes, Gundo hack exhaust, some paint work on the rear, rolled fenders to fit 19 inch forgestar f14 wheels.. and other things.  

Recently I've been working to determine why I've been getting 1341 and 1325 cel.   I read through and performed all the suggested diagnosis ideas I've found on here and read every post I could find related to this .   Eventually I ended up pulling the engine out.  What I found is that the previous owners mechanic installed the variocam actuators and solenoids on the wrong banks. . and I also figured out that he replaced the actuators with use ones but with new chain guides.  So I have the camshaft and actuators removed on both sides and I have a couple questions.

 

Is there a way to bench test the actuator to know if they are working properly ? I have brand new solenoids for them and Pads are brand new on both.  They appear to be in good working order and with new ones being 1000 bucks a piece I'd prefer to not replace them if not needed. 

 Also after reading this whole thread and all the others I can find.. if I don't buy new actuators I want to make sure I put everything back together right.   I was looking for clarification on which plunger/ piston should be in part # 996105053 58 cylinder 4-6 & which plunger/ piston should be in part # 996105051 58?  I attached pictures below of the 2 from my car.  1st picture is 99610505358 cyl 4-6.  The 2nd picture is 99610505158 cylinder 1-3. I'm thinking the mechanic also put the wrong plunger/piston in the wrong actuator..   I would greatly appreciate any help on this