Just started smoking and have been scouring the site for good mods. My Brinkmann had more leaks than the titanic and couldn't get above 230 degrees! So far I have lowered the smoke stack, added two thermometers, and surrounded the grill with high temp foil tape. The temp still isn't getting where I want (SUGGESTIONS WELCOME), but It's pretty even now. Today I added some ceramic briquettes to help retain some heat (fingers crossed). Tomorrow I'll be smoking some chicken. We will see if that helps. Here are some mod pics: