Los Angeles is most commonly known for its movie stars and beaches, but it also has a dark side consisting of gangs and riots. So it goes without saying, being an officer for the LAPD is not a job for the meek or mild. Officer Ricardo Lizarraga was a well-liked and respected police officer for the LAPD. On February 20, 2004, Officer Lizarraga and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance. While at the residence, a man pulled out a gun and opened fire. Officer "Lizzy" Lizarraga was struck in the abdomen and later died from the wound.
James Takishita is also an LAPD member and the proud owner of this '98 Stage 1 Roush convertible. When the odometer rolled past 121,000 miles, it started showing its age and James knew it needed to be freshened-up. While exploring options for a complete transformation, he decided to make this car a tribute to his fallen friend, officer Lizarraga.
James and Lizzy were tight and trained together in preparation for the police academy. "Lizzy was one of those guys who never quit, and motivated others to push themselves beyond their limits," James states. Upon graduation from the academy, the two were sent to different divisions of the department to work on separate assignments.
Like the man behind the theme, the car needed to be reliable and quiet, but have the ability to become a beast when necessary. For that, Brian Schapiro and Mason Rowland at B&D Racing pulled out the original SOHC engine to make way for an '04 DOHC Cobra crate engine with 0.020-inch-over JE forged pistons. Because good was never enough for Lizzy, James had B&D install a 2.2L Kenne Bell supercharger pushing 16 psi of boost. Other air/fuel delivery upgrades include a K&N air filter, SCT BA-200 MAF sensor, Accufab throttle body, and 60-lb/hr fuel injectors. B&D also installed new blue Ford Racing valve covers with engraved coil covers to commemorate officer Lizzaraga. The stock 4R70W was gutted and stuffed with a Lentech Street Terminator package and a Continental 2,500-stall converter. By way of a custom driveshaft, the power goes through a stock 8.8-inch axle housing beefed-up with Ford Racing 3.55 gears on a Torsen 31-spline T-2R differential. Thanks to a custom tune done by Brian at B&D Racing, this street beast made 530 hp and 595 lb-ft of torque at the wheels while only winding up to 6,000 revs. James also had a custom exhaust system installed with Dynomax race mufflers.