Any ABC constructed, twin ball bearing, ".45 class" engine with Schneurle porting will give you ample power for pretty thrilling performance with a 9 x 8 prop on a clean, light ship.
I don't think there are any "dogs" out there.
I'd go for the .46 OS or the .46 Thunder Tiger engines. The only issue I used to have with Thunder Tiger was the 2 piece muffler coming apart, but that was several years ago.
If you can visit a local RC pylon racing event and have a talk with some guys [during lunch, not while they are hectically preparing to race] you will come away with some good advice and a first hand look at it.