I'll add in that I have a Cermark Pitts with the G-26 RC conversion. I love it but it is not a 3D plane. It flies great and does all scale maneuvers beautifully. Lands a bit fast. No question it is a little heavy.

I currently have a CG Ultimate that is grounded. Sold POS engine (Saito 100). Went through 2 YS 91's before. Great power but eventually wore them out. Between the cost of the engines and the parts and the fuel I'm looking for something else.

My friend put together the Aeroworks 27% ultimate with a Moki 1.8. It was underpowered. Flew scale-like but with no authority if you know what I mean. My Pitts has authority! He just finished putting in a BME 50 but the weather here in CA has not cooperated. This is supposedly the ticket based on videos I have seen. But you won't put this one together for $1200.

The DP ultimate with the G-26 conversion would be nice but I have heard that it will fail. Probably right. DP designed the Cermark Pitts and DID recommend a G-23 as an engine for it. Reduced performance compared to other recommended YS-120 but good enough and bullet proof. Nice to take several trips to the field for $2 worth of gas.

CG Ultimate-- Kit or ARF with a YS-110 is hard to beat. Especially with your budget. Believe me I watch my RC $ too.

That's my 2 cents.