360 build

The comp XE268H cam is likely to much cam for a low compression 360 (a stock bottom end LA360 is going to be at or under 8:1) and you will be giving up bottom end. The XE256H or XE262H would be a better choice.

Any dual plane manifold will work even a stock iron one with the build you are planing.

If you are going to a square bore carb like a Holley something in the 600 to 650 range would be a much better choice for you goals. With the 750 you will give up a lot of low end throttle repsonse and driveability with little or no gain on the top end.

Definately stick with the 1 5/8" headers for the low end torque. Tube diameter determines the rpm at which the torque peak occurs with bigger tubes having the peak at a higher rpm.
the xe268h is one of those magic cams.. dunno how it works, but it does.. even with low CR engines.

eg: i toss a xe268h cam in a bone stock 400 72 Satellite once, and just like that went from 14.8s to 14.0s w/ the stock 3.55 gear.

i have never seen a 600 or 650 holley make more power then a well tuned holley 750vs carb on a 340/360/. throttle response remained excellent.

i agree with you that tube diameter plays a role in effective rpm use, but equally (perhaps more) important is the collector length.