I've had this issue for quite some time now and can't seem to narrow it down.

Basically, when I'm barely on the throttle between 3500rpm to 4500rpm, it starts bogging. If I step the gas down to the floor, it will straighten up. It's also got a pinging sound every once in a while like we are running low octane gas.

I bought this car as flood damage to the engine (sucked up water in the cold air intake). We replaced one bent rod, replaced rod bearings, main bearings, and rings.

I've swapped sensors on the intake manifold, adjusted the valves, verified timing, and changed the injectors. I did find that if I disconnect the throttle position sensor, the issue goes away. This seems to turn off VTEC, so I'm wondering if the oil pressure is low or the pins are sticking on one lifter causing the radical cam not to flip on at the same time as the other three. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.