Yes it should be vented. You do not have to vent sealed batteries like Optimas.

 

My box isn't going to be completely airtight. Air will still get out where the cables exit and the latch. That gas will still get in my trunk even with a vent tube. I'm almost done installing and this is holding me up now the whole idea of venting doesn't really make sense.

 

why not just install the tube??? if the directions say do it, then do it!!! but its your car so do what you like. fyi..... battery acid smell nasty if it leaks, but it sounds like youll find that out sooner or later.

 

I'm just saying that it would be mandatory for the box to be close to 100% airtight for the breather tube to do anything. If it is not completely airtight, by definition air (gas) will take the easiest path out. The easiest path out would Not be through a couple feet of hose that's for sure. The easiest path would be for it to seep out a number of places like hinges, cable exit holes, lid, etc. (all ending up in my interior). Anyone get what I'm saying?

By the way I'm working with a universal box here and I am just using the vortech instructions for reference. There is no breather exit hole or tube in the box I am using.

 

fwiw i didnt put one in mine mainly because it wouldnt protect me from the gases anyway (like you said box isnt 100 percent sealed)

 

The airpressure is the same, going out the tube would be just as easy as going out the cable openings.

Mine has rubber gromets that fit around the cables and then slid down into the cable openings in the box, making the box somewhat air-tight. I plan on running Optima though, and bypassing the venttube/ corrosive build up...

 

With an Optima you don't even need a box only hold downs. They are sealed batteries and don't emit any gases.

John

 

okay thanks everyone I guess what I'm going to do is try to make the box as airtight as possible but drill a hole in the side of the box for some 1/4" maybe 5/16" fuel line and vent it outside.

 

go to lowes and get some weather stripping and 2 rubber grommits and that should make it pretty air tight.

 

That's exactly what I'm doing today. Thanks for all the help.