87 Sentra

Hey all.
Just got a 87 with 110,000 miles on the 1.8(i think) carbed motor with A/C linked up to a three speed auto. The beast was my grandpa's and we just moved him down to the central coast of California from Stockton...about 225 miles. The car seemed to run fine(wasnt in it) but it would not start in Kettleman City, about 60 mi from home, after a bathroom break(vapor lock?). finally got it going once we poured some gas down the barrel. Once home, I drove it for a couple days where it would start and idle fine as long as it wasnt too cold outside. The choke wasnt working..thinking because it was hanging on the side of the carb by one screw. But I couldnt get the butterfly to close at all, even by manually closing the circuit inside the assembly. I ended up just putting the choke back together and putting it back on the carb, then replaced the fuel, oil and air filter. Now the car idle's at 1300 rpms (1500 with the lights on...no joke) and the choke still don't work. The only other funky thing is that it will occationally miss on the freeway and feel like a bad fuel pump...but not at a normal time, like climbing a hill. It just seems to be random. Any help would be great. Thanks.