I did the search with several different combinations of terms, but couldn't come up with anything relevant.
I just got a Performer, and the reason I bought new rather than used off CL is for the warranty... which, of course, is voided as soon as I drill a hole in that bowl. So, no hole.
I have a Digiq DX2 that I use for a different smoker, and I looked at BBQ Guru's website where they offer the option of connecting the device through the upper vent.
On the one hand, it makes sense to blow the air from under the fire; after all, that is the natural progression when everything is left alone. Air is drawn from the bottom and flows out the top.
On the other hand, controlling the flow of air is just a secondary way of controlling what we really want to keep constant, which is temperature. If the temperature stays at 250*, who cares which way it flows? Get the vents set close to where you want them, and the fan only kicks in to control runaways and black holes.
BBQ Guru recommends drilling the hole, but didn't give any good reason why using the top vent doesn't work. So, does anyone have any experience they can share?
Thanks!