there are several posts here on swaps so try a search for info and we can answer more specific questions

as for 17" on a civic...tooooooo big...17" wheels aside from pure aesthetic effect significantly hamper performance...they are heavy and create havoc with the suspension...it's rotational inertia (since its diameter is longer and moves weight further to the ends) it reduces acceleration and increases braking...b/c its heavier than stock it adds unsprung weight and overtasks the front suspension...and 17" wheels in ny pothole territory is asking for a bent rim

15" for track racing is fine...make sure you get > 6.5" width...the largest i'd go on an ef civic is 15" for street