I'm moving my battery back to the engine compartment and I was wondering if the factory setup used a box, or just a tray.

 

a box

 

there's a tray and then a black casing, and then a top. Each piece is seperate, so it would be hard to call it a box.. but there is more than just the tray.

 

Yep, if your lucky enough to have all the original parts there is the tray, a nylon strap, side case (in the rectangular hole a piece of clear plastic, the hold down bracket, and then the top cover. None of this is worth taking to the interior bin, as you should go to a smaller sealed battery to use inside the passenger area. I personally wouldn'y want a lead acid batterey in the passenger compartment. Jack

 

It's my personal opinion that the black plastic cover prolongs the life of the battery by helping to shield it from the heat of the engine compartment. My '95 is still on its original battery and still going strong which I find absolutely amazing. Most times after a drive I open up the hood to let out the hot air, and that's probably helps too.

 

I open my hood after a driving the car as well... That heat will bake all the electronics.

This whole plastic box is vented into the intercooler ducting to help keep the battery cool (that's what I figure, anyway).

I imagine if you are missing the lid, some of the air that should go through the intercooler will just blow past the battery.

 

for the guys with a miniature battery like the odyssey or optima what sort of battery tray did you use and where did you mount it.

 

My thoughts exactly, the previous owner did not share our sentiment and put the lead acid battery in the trunk, which is why I am moving it back.