Ball valve on new UDS build dilemma!

[JMoney7269]

A few recent turn of events at local non sanctioned cookoffs have banned thermostatically controlled pits. So I'm building a new UDS specially for these cookoffs. Should I use three 3/4 valves or two 1" valves. They are full port valves btw. I believe I remember bluedawg say if he did it again he would go with 2/1" vaves. Just FYI I cook on the drum @350 at comps with a weber lid. Any input on this experience would be appreciated.

[CypertJ]

I'm building mine with 2 1" valves. BluDawg and Big Ed both recommended this

[BluDawg]

J$ When I build another one it will either have 2 1" holes and fridge magnets or 1 2" pipe with a slide cap over it. since you like to run @ treefity keep them straight right off the bottom and extend the handle( Fat man Mod) you get more air 90's reduce the Flow by 50%. A Weber lid is not a necessity BigJim sports a Flat top like Me. I have no trouble hitting trefity there is 7" between the lid and the grate.

[JMoney7269]

Bludawg this will be a dual function barrel for the guru also so I want the 90's on it. Should I just go ahead and put 3/1" valves on it to be safe. I already have the weber lid on my other drum. Kinda one of those rob Peter to pay Paul deals

[BluDawg]

If your gonna go dual purpose Go with 3 1" and set up 1 like you have on the Blu beast for the fan. You can never have to much intake.

[JMoney7269]

I like it, that will be her name from now on!

[Raider18]

so how did it work out? I currently have 4 3/4 inch nipples and caps. I was thinking of putting a 90 elbow, 12 inch pipe and a ball valve on two of them. Will this help? I can run 225 easy now, but I want to go to 350 for chicken. I too have a stoker, but I want to be able to cook that hot without it.

[JMoney7269]

Ended up not going to that Cookoff
They, the board members who are actually on some of the cook teams there, have it in their mind that we are cheaters because our drums use a 12v battery to run the guru. I ended up building another guru uds and saying **** them and working on starting my own Cookoff at the same time as theirs up at my beautiful ranch. It will have twice the payout, $1000, $500, $250 and be sanctioned. I already have 4 sponsors already. Basically dwindle their Cookoff down to no cookers and get the GO TEXAN for our county at this Cookoff. This Cookoff that we weren't "invited" back to is just a bunch of old folks that don't want anyone coming into their honey hole. Las time we we were there we took 1st chefs choice, 1st Cajun, 3rd chicken, 9th ribs, 1st brisket, RGC. I'm hoping to have it in late January, early February. A buddy of mines friend is on the board and he will tell me the exact date their Cookoff will be so I can plan mine the same weekend. What really is the driving factor here is that we can't ever possibly go to the rodeo if we win because we can't cook there because the cookers are the board members or friends of, and they don't even to by Go Texan rules. I even talked to giacommetto who runs to Texan and she was of no help, didn't even care if they were picking and choosing their teams to represent the county.
Anyways, thanks for getting me all revvved up now, j/k
Here is the new drum

[buzz]

J$ I will buy you a rev. limiter if I can come to your first cook off. If it is in Jan or Feb. It would be my first comp.

[Raider18]

Well does the elbow and pipe help air flow over a nipple and ball valve?


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[Big Ed]

Well does the elbow and pipe help air flow over a nipple and ball valve?


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It hinders the air flow but if your using a blower it doesn't matter!!

[Raider18]

I want to use it without the fan for when I'm at the deer lease. So should I add one ball valve or more the merrier?


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[Big Ed]

I would go 2 1'' ball valves, works great for me but I cook low & slow.

[BluDawg]

I have 1 3/4 Ball valve on a 12" riser and 2 3/4" nipples I have no problem running 375 if I choose but I keep it under 325 -300 most of the time. When I decide to build another one it will have 1 2 1/2"x 24" riser with a damper plate on top to control the air

[txluke]

I am cheap. I had 4 1" holes that I stuff foil in to adjust airflow. I am also lazy. I got 2 iq110's so no more foil.