Systems and methods for enhancing performance in a reciprocating compressor are described. The compressor includes a cylinder, a crank shaft housing, a crank shaft, a motor, a motor housing and rod assembly. The rod assembly includes a coupling rod portion, a head portion, a cup seal, a cap and one or more valves. The rod assembly is configured to reciprocate within the cylinder so as to compress fluid within a space formed by the cylinder. The rod assembly is driven by the crank shaft. The one or more valves are configured to control air to the compressor. The one or more valves are removably coupled to the head portion, such that the one or more valves remain coupled to the head portion when the cap is detached from the coupling rod assembly.