I applaud your thoughtful efforts (your heart is in the right place) but I don't think this snake is for you if your desire is to 'change' this adult boa.
Many folks want to place a boa in a big enclosure thinking they are doing the snake a favor. The reality is, this boa would probably do best in a modest sized enclosure with little interaction. If a person was willing (and capable) of providing a large environment for this snake it may be worth a try but that person needs to know what they are doing and observing...frankly you don't have enough experience for understanding what is working and what is not working. Having said that it is possible to get lucky and have the enclosure acceptance pay off.
What is less likely at this point is changing this 17 year old boa's behavior. It has adopted this defensive behavior and it has worked for it for all these years... Forced handling in an effort to 'calm' this snake will cause stress and will probably shorten its life...may even kill it in short order. I don't give you good odds on this approach and I'm certain it is not the best thing for this boa.
If you want take this boa in, I suggest you accept the boa for what it is currently...and that is a grumpy senior citizen that should have food delivered while allowing as much privacy as possible.
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