Well 97 is 5th gen so it would be a different body style and a lil cheaper. But if you want VTEC 5th gen you'll have to get an EX which is a lil harder to find in manual transmission which drives the price back up. The 98 - 00 are all the ame design. I have a 2000 manual trans and I like the added power of the 6th gen, but not the added bulk. It drives heavier than my 94 (RIP
) I would go for a 98 or 99. Ive heard that there were some changes to the trans for the 00-02 and they're less reliable. My trans is clicking right now. I probably have about 35K left on it. I'm at 84K now.
So a 98 or 99 LX is my reccomendation. You should be able to find one for $7500 or so.
Good luck mang