the only way to know for sure in this world of Canadian models & engine swaps & ECU changes, is to double check the head for the solinoid, the ECU and CEL... or simply get the shorty or take off the top of your air box and listen for it. You should be able to hear it. Not as obvious as a DOHC but it's there.

 

you can also check for .... canadian-ness. by looking at the VIN #, if it's a 1 or 4 it's USA, if it's a 2, it's from canada, and J is japan. which a 97 civic wouldnt be anyway.

 

It's a code that is stamped in the metal on your engine. If you are looking at your engine from the front of the car, it is to the left of the exhaust manifold. (should say D16Y8)

Bottom line, if you have a 97 EX without a swapped engine, you have a sohc vtec engine.