Hi there. It's me again.....your friendly neighborhood ECB supporter!!!
Here's a post I put up in a recent thread that explains the 4 mods I did to mine:
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...9&postcount=15
I just don't see the need to add a vertical pipe for the intake, or for that matter a smokestack. I know you've suggested to base the design off of a UDS, but it's NOT a UDS. It's a water smoker and very much like a WSM, just not designed as well, which is why mods are necessary.
IMHO, there are 2 very important issues that need resolved with the ECB:
1. Airflow control.
2. Ash control.
My 4 mods improved both of those issues for me. Let me know what you think.