Can't seem to find a post that answers that. Roughly how much would it cost to have a shop do the swap from a D17A1 to a D17A2 if I provide the parts/engine? I assume I'd also need to pay to have the exhaust changed.

For the extra 20hp it is not worth the $1500+ to pay a shop to do this swap. It really not even worth it to DIY it unless your motor is blown and you need to change it anyways

My current engine has some annoying leaks according to the dealership. They quoted $2600 for that. Figured at that point might as well swap it or get a "new" car. Used car market is kinda bad in my area right now. Can't find anything decent in the 4-5k usd range. I know it's overall a very minor improvement but it might be my best bet unless something decent pops up (assuming the swap runs 2-4k).

$2600 to fix some leaks?
You could probably fix all of the leaks yourself, for under $500.
Same with the engine swap, you need to either buy or rent/borrow an engine crane. Maybe the axle nut socket if you don't have that. And then change a couple things on the new engine before you put it in the car. Easily under $1000 to do the swap yourself

Oil pump seals, camshaft seal and exhaust bolts and seals, valve cover gasket, timing belt (since they're already there). Is what I'd need to change. Never done mechanical work. How long would it take roughly? Don't exactly have a place to keep my car safe/dry at if it'd take me more than a day.

Define decent. I can think of a lot of (objectively) really nice cars for that budget.

Reliable and under 130k miles, 150/160k if manual trans.

Just be patient. I got my TSX for $4500 USD with 135k miles. I would like to think that fits your criteria.

reminder that it is not the engine/exhaust alone.

• ECU and wiring to the VTEC.
• Changing ECU will cause the need to reprogram keys to ECU

You could do it in a day if you knew what you're doing. Got anyone you can bribe with a case of beer for assistance/driveway space?
To be safe I would start the work Friday night and then hopefully you have enough time to have everything reassembled by Mon morning

add also water pump since doing timing belt
exhaust can be left for now

before starting job, do this test for headgasket leaks. It's very common on D17 engines.
If you have a leak, it's likely to take longer than a day