I would agree the need to vent the battery externally is somewhat overrated by todays standard. Newer battery designs use different alloys that prevent gassing and the need to add additional water through its life. I've run a Delco with no visible issues in my 84 5k. Never smelled, never corroded, never blew up! Mark Switek 98 A4q 1.8t 88 90 78 F150 72 MGB