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Published by Christopher J. Holley | Mopar History & Tech | July 2025

Chrysler’s V2 and RV2 Compressors: A Look Back at Mopar’s Coolest Tech

When you think of classic Mopar—Hemis, pistol grips, shaker hoods—you might not immediately think about air conditioning. But behind the muscle and chrome, Chrysler was also an innovator in climate control systems. At the heart of that innovation were two compressors that quietly (or not-so-quietly) kept passengers cool: the V2 and the RV2. These mechanical workhorses helped define Chrysler’s factory air conditioning (AC) efforts from the late 1950s into the 1980s.

Let’s take a closer look at both and why they still matter today—especially if you’re restoring a vintage Mopar.

The V2 Compressor: Chrysler’s Early AC Pioneer

Before air conditioning became a standard luxury, Chrysler was experimenting with ways to offer factory-installed comfort in its vehicles. Enter the V2 compressor, an early two-cylinder, V-style compressor used primarily in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Key Features:

• Two-cylinder V-type design
• Belt-driven from the engine
• Designed for use with R-12 refrigerant
• Found in luxury Chrysler, Imperial, DeSoto, Dodge, and Plymouth models

While not especially compact or efficient by today’s standards, the V2 was rugged and functional. It represented a shift in American automaking—toward integrated climate systems, not just add-ons. Chrysler was among the first to offer truly factory-installed AC across its lineup, and the V2 made it happen.

The Downside?

It was heavy, underpowered by later standards, and had limited output. As cabin sizes grew and expectations for cooling performance rose, Chrysler needed something more substantial.

The RV2 Compressor: A Mopar Cooling Powerhouse

By the mid-1960s, Chrysler engineers introduced the RV2 compressor—and it would become a staple of Chrysler AC systems through the late 1970s and into the early 1980s.

Why “RV2”?

The name stands for Rotary V-twin, 2-cylinder—a nod to its improved V-style layout. But don’t confuse it with modern rotary (scroll or wobble-plate) compressors. The RV2 is a piston-driven behemoth known for its massive displacement and serious cooling power.

Specs and Highlights:

• Two-cylinder opposed V-twin configuration
• Displacement: ~10 cubic inches
• Electromagnetic clutch for on/off cycling
• Rear-facing suction/discharge ports
• Engine-mounted, typically on the passenger side

The RV2 was one of the largest and most powerful automotive AC compressors of its time. It wasn’t just for big luxury cars—you’d find it under the hood of muscle cars like the Dodge Charger, Dart, Plymouth Road Runner, Barracuda, and even in full-size trucks and vans.

Durability & Performance

The RV2 earned a reputation for reliability. It was built like a tank and could deliver cold air quickly—even on 100°F summer days with a black vinyl interior. Mechanics appreciated how serviceable it was, and rebuild kits are still widely available.

V2 vs. RV2: A Quick Comparison

Feature	V2 Compressor	RV2 Compressor
Era	Late 1950s–Early 1960s	1964–Early 1980s
Type	V-type, 2-cylinder	Opposed V-twin, 2-cylinder
Cooling Output	Low to moderate	High
Reliability	Decent for its time	Excellent
Size & Weight	Heavy	Very Heavy
Used In	Early Mopars, luxury	Muscle cars, sedans, trucks
AC Refrigerant	R-12	R-12 (can be retrofitted)

Restoration Relevance Today

If you’re restoring a vintage Mopar and want to keep the car factory correct, the RV2 is still the go-to choice. Rebuild kits, reproduction brackets, and even R-134a retrofit fittings are available. While many modern restorers opt for smaller, more efficient Sanden compressors (especially for resto-mods), nothing looks—or sounds—quite like an RV2 under the hood of a ’70 Challenger.

Want to maintain the original factory look? Keep your RV2. Want something lighter and more efficient? Go with a modern rotary compressor—but keep the original in a box for originality’s sake.

Final Thoughts

The V2 and RV2 compressors might not get the spotlight like a Six Pack or a pistol-grip shifter, but they played a key role in Chrysler’s push to combine comfort and performance. From early luxury cruisers to thundering muscle machines, these compressors kept cool air flowing long before climate control was taken for granted.

So, the next time you pop the hood of a vintage Mopar and see that hulking twin-cylinder unit bolted to the block, give it a little nod of respect. That’s not just an AC compressor—it’s a piece of Chrysler engineering history.

Got an RV2 on your project car? Need help sourcing parts or brackets? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your AC restoration stories.