While I know this is tall.. I would consider it a horizontal smoker .. though the air flow will be similar to a vertical.Most vertical smokers run between 1.5 - 2 btu/cu.inch. Go high to achieve those kind of temps.
I feel like after some more research and some more advice from other forums I have the heating part of this rebuild narrowed down.. just going to need to do some testing.
My next area in question is a motor and drive system. Previously this was a direct drive system which has it's flaws and I am considering a chain drive system, so if anyone has any thoughts on that, or proven designs with details I would appreciate if you can share.