My 2002 EX hesitates during load or accel. Feels like you let off the throttle a little and then stepped back on it. Does this in all gears but it is most pronounced in 3rd. No codes and I've changed the plugs. Idle is perfect, EGR passages were just cleaned out ( R&R manifold and gaskets) searched for vac leaks and found none. No hesitation or surging in cruse. Can anyone suggest a area to look in or a component to test? Car has 171K on it.

thanks
Dave.