Mod to fire-pan in my ECB knockoff

The massive air-gap between the barrel and coal-pan is likely your biggest cause for heat loss, or, excessive fuel use and the need for a monster fire. I'd close-up most of that gap before drilling any more holes in the pan, otherwise, with too much air to the fire the temps will run out of control once you get the heat-losses corrected. BTW, when you get that gap closed-down a bit, remove the foil gasket on the lid so it can breathe a bit...it needs the heat and smoke to be able to flow upwards or it won't heat up and cook the food on the top of the smoke chamber.

BTW, that fire-pan and barrel configuration is quite similar to the Brinkmann Smoke n Grill...both are rather ineffective and difficult/impossible to achieve consistent/good results without doing mods.

Also, be sure your thermometer is reading relatively accurately by doing a boil-check.

Just looked again at your base ring...if it has tight seal and is a closed unit, it should control your fire and air flow through the smoke chamber just fine...didn't look it over close enough the first time around. I did load the pic with the thermometer...seems a bit too wide of a range for a smoker, but if you can calibrate it to read accurately in the 200-250+ range, then it should work out OK.

Eric

I feel your pain. Temp control in my bring h2o
Was horrible so I converted it to propane
Sat it on top of my turkey fryer base.
Now I have no trouble maintaining temp
And the original charcoal pan sits on top of the flame and I throw a few chunks of wood there.

Sorry stupid phone I ment to say brinkman

Looks like you pretty much have it nailed down, Scott. Good lookin' shoulder pork, too!!!

Now smoking will be a pleasure instead of a chore...stick with it!!!

Eric