at WOT i hear what sounds like a pinging sound that is more noticeable when i go into 3rd gear...??? any ideas???

 

Are you still running the stock tune? I know on my 2002 Vette, the timing curve was very aggressive and at around 4,200 RPM the KR would kick in and you could hear it while driving. Tuner took care of it when I put the headers on. He also had an 02 Vette, and we plotted the two stock curves against each other and they both had the same issue.

 

Isn't pinging a sign of detonation?! I would definitely have a tuner look at that, it could be very harmful to your engine!

 

Pinging can be either pre-ignition or detonation. Typically it's pre-ignition. Typical causes include: too much timing, carbon buildup, incorrect plugs, worn ignition parts, lean fuel mixture...