RE: engine puffs in air...
I wouldn't worry about the piston moving faster than the combustion...
Isn't the ultra trust muffler a tuned muffler?
Sounds more like you are getting out of its working range, or possibly starting to get into its working range in the air. They might be tuned for higher revs than you get on the ground. Just try a few different props to find where the muffler kicks in, and work from there.