New to the Smoking world

Hi. I'm new to this as well and have the same smoker you have. I'm sorry I can't help answer your questions. I'm just chiming in to see what others have to say.

Welcome to the forum!! 

I don't own an electric smoker......so my help will be limited. But other MES owners will chime in soon!

8 lb butts figure on 1 - 1 1/2 hours per pound. Need to cook to an internal temperature of 205 for pulled pork.

There will be a stall when the meat hits around 165. At that temp, you can remove the butts, wrap them in heavy foil with some apple juice added and put back in smoker to finish cooking. When IT temp hits 200, remove the butts, the bone should slide right out easily, if not butt is not yet done. If bone slides out then let them rest for about an hour, then pull apart.

To the pulled pork add a finishing sauce and a little bbq sauce.

Welcome and Sauced cover it.  When they are done they will look like this.