Questions about first butt...

[jmforester]

I have a small 5.5 lb pork butt. I wonder what temp to cook at, 225? 250? (In this cold weather 225 is all it will get up to even if I set 250)

And final IT? 190? 195? 200? I want to slice it, not pull it.

I have a dual probe PID. I'm thinking of setting cook temp at 250 (It probably won't get above 225) and have dampers 1/2 open.
First cycle to cook to IT 195, with four hours smoke. Last cycle to hold at 130, for up to 14 hours.

Also how long should it take? Is four hours smoke too much for a small butt? Should I start it late tonight, or first thing in the morning, if I want it for dinner tomorrow? Thanks, Jonathan

[FLBentRider]

If you want to slice it, you want an IT no higher than 180F

I'd start really late or really early.

Four hours smoke is good.

[jmforester]

OK, I'll set IT for 180. How long should it take to cook at 225? 1.5 - 2 hours per pound? Less? Or more?