RE: tractor prop efficiency vs. pusher prop efficiency?
My experience with 4 different engines on a Bob Cat 52 indicates that either one size smaller prop or one size larger engine is needed in pusher configuration. The air across the wing is probably very dirty. Several of the engines appeared to come up to speed in stages indicating engine thermodynamics were also different. A different relationship of prop to wing on other types of airplanes would likely give different results.
Bill