[hayesbcajh]

I have a 2000 with 4.3l v6 5spd. Can someone help me out with a list of all components to check to find the cause of my detonation/pinging problem? I've changed the dist cap and rotor, fuel filter, spark plugs, oil and filter, air filter, knock sensor. I've tried 89, 91 and 93 octane. The pinging is reduced as the grade of gasoline increases. As a matter of fact it pretty much disappears with 93. However, at 93 octane I seemed to lose power. Is that possible? Also, at nearly $2.50 a gallon it's getting expensive and I'd rather try to fix the problem. This has been going on for over a year since I bought it. There is a definite coolant smell coming from under the hood and i can see a drip at the botom of the oil pan. It never leaves a puddle. Does not seem to be producing steam from the tailpipe. Temp guage is constant at around 195.
Thanks.