i have a 2002 d17 civic. boost it or better off swapping out this weak motor?

 

Yes.

 

Co-sign

 

You have the worst Civic ever made to try to modify. You are better off selling it and getting a 92-00 Civic or 94-01 Teg.

 

^^^^
Yup. Or get an ef, obdO b swaps are super cheap, cable ls tranny $150-$200, b20-$500, ecu $80, mounts $150, axles $160, etc, $1000 for a decent kit, rock 7-10 lbs of boost on stock b motor and you will like it. Build a block on the side and upgrade your fuel, turbo, etc as u build over time.
Im not a proponent of b20s unsleeved but you will be fine for a couple years on low boost and it will be ten times faster than what you are used to.