i have a 98 civic ex which swap is the better as far as price driveability and upgrades,what am i looking at as far as price for each and possible ideas as to a good shop to do swap in socal area

 

If you can afford it, the b18c naturally perform better and be more rewarding to modify..

 

what am i looking at for full swap i need a usdm motor to deal w cali smog

 

Ouch...... I think http://www.JDMHONDAPARTS.com have USDM motors. Check there.
And do the homework and swap it yourself. It's a bolt on process and it will use your EX wiring harness... No need to pay someone for that unless you don't have space for it or are handicapped.