My experience with carbs on my 261 has been very good using the Holley/Webber carbs from Tom Langdon at the Stovebolt Engine Co. He will sell you a matched pair and I think they were $65 each which is pretty reasonable. Of course you still need the adaptors and air cleaners but it is well worth it. They are a 2 stage carb so they work like half a four barrel. My 261 runs strong and still gets 20+ mpg on the highway.
No one has mentioned anything about your thoughts on adding some domed pistons to raise the compression. That really doesn't work with these engines. Since the valves are basically vertical a domed piston doesn't give you any piston to valve clearance. Your best bet to raise the compression at least some is to mill the head. If it has never been milled before I believe you should be safe to .060. You would want to check with your machine shop for sure. If you have a higher than stock lift cam in the engine you will need to take that into account as well.
Once they're done they are great fun. I've put over 75,000 miles on mine in a '50 pickup (including a BUNCH of passes down the 1/8 mile drap strip - the truck is in the photo gallery under Ron and Kim Plender).
Good luck and have fun!

1964 Chevrolet C-20 Fleetside, Otis
1950 Chevy 1/2-Ton, Kirby
1950 Chevy 1/2-Ton Shortbed, Walter