You guys have had great info in the "few" questions that I asked and that is nice to know since I am a "newbee" to this site. Well I have another for ya:
For my 402bb I have an original GM HEI distributor that came with it. I prefer not to use a 5lb gravity devise on my firewall to make it "fit" (Yes you sometimes have to do that on a Nova). Is a standard Points distributor converted to electronic (Pertronix or Crane) a good alternative. Funds are on the tight side now and a I could buy a small body HEI, but cost is around $200+ and a conversion kit is around $60-$70.
Has anyone done this and how did it work out?

I run small blocks. On my 72 I didn't need to beat the firewall to install the factory HEI. On your BB are you saying it won't clear? Camaros are a different animal.

A HEI will fit my '72 with a 402 just fine without any beating the firewall or rubbing, though I chose to have my original points distributor converted to HEI for an original look.

The conversion kits you drop in don't upgrade you to HEI, they just get rid of points. I'm having my done by Dave Ray to be a true HEI system.

Yes, I installed Crane's "XR-i" points conversion module last year and works great. And a VERY simple installation; mechanical points & condenser assembly is removed, the new module bolts right in their place, two wires from the module go to the coil (one to + and one to -), start the engine, set the timing, and you're done! My goal was to retain the "factory" ignition appearance, which Crane's system does (except for the two very small additional wires), and sounds like it's in your price range. I also used Crane's "Fireball" coil and "Firewire" spark plug wires. No complaints, works like it's supposed to, and for the money it's worth it, an inexpensive ignition upgrade...no points to fool around with or set anymore.