318 Factory Four BBL Intake Manifold

You are absolutely correct. In fact, about 30 years ago I built a 360 with '71 flat top pistons, 318 cam, 318 heads, 318 manifolds, 318 carb... Torque was off the charts! It went into a '74 Power Wagon, got 23 mpg and could probably tow a mobile home up Vale Pass (in Colorado), if only at 45 mph.
I posted not long ago about building a hi-tork 360.
Parts:

Edelbrock Streemaster 318 intake, designed for idle to 4500 rpm, high torque.

400 cfm Carter Competition Series,Carb

Oregon Cams regrind to match the package,

67 closed chamber 273 heads,

YES, , smaller ports, higher low end tork