If you understand VE (Volumetric Efficiency) then you should know that the D17 is not known for it's VE...

VE depends upon the ability of the motor to breathe at high engine speeds... With a SOHC you are already at a disadvantage compared to DOHC motors, cause the cam controls both Intake and Exhaust, leaving little room to "optimize" the operation of the intake and exhaust valves at the same time...

That is why DOHC motors ALWAYS have a flatter torque curve... Actually the B16 has one of the flattest torque curves of any engine ever made... Why? Cause VTEC enables the valves to open both more and for a longer duration when needed, increasing the VE and making power up to a very high redline of ~8k rpms...

Like Snoopy said, a k-series is a much better base to start with, and I concur...