My firebird is VERY rigged and ive been taking it apart and correcting it. as of right now the only problem with the carb is: to start the engine you need someone to hold down the choke, as for everything else, the original plugs are chopped and redknecked in and then theres a nail in a hose as a plug (whats that hose for anyways?) so my question is, is it worth fixing this one or get another?






And the choke is always in this position unless you hold it

 

That's a screw being used as a vacuum plug. There's nothing wrong with plugging an open vacuum port if it isn't needed.
A choke is very easy to replace, fix, or adjust, and so doesn't justify replacing the entire carburetor.
It is odd that you are apparently puzzled by these things, but yet feel the need to use a word like "rednecked" to describe something the previous owner has done. I doubt that you were forced to buy this car from the PO, so it would seem more appropriate for you to take responsibility for what you have and go acquire yourself a book on the quadrajet carburetor.
There are also many write-ups and documents concerning your carburetor online that you can read or download. Your issue isn't 3rdgen specific, but is Quadrajet specific.

Here's a basic write-up (page 1 of 4):
http://vetteprojects.com/kstyer/quadrajet.htm

another:
http://www.highperformancepontiac.co.../photo_07.html

There are many out there.

The part in your first pic with the red wire going to it is the electric choke control.
It uses electricity to heat a metal coil that applies pressure to the choke actuator rod.
You want to make sure the rod is connected properly and then check out the function of the electrified coil. It may be broken, jammed, or not receiving 12v when the key is in the run position.

The choke should fully open when the engine is warm and has been running for a couple of minutes.
If you need more choke (closed more) for engine starting when cold, then that suggests another problem, and the carb may need a rebuild.

 

give it a shot and try to fix it. if nothing else, you will learn more about your car.

 

no i didnt pay for it, it was an even trade for my 1998 camaro, the main reason i got it was because the body and paint is near perfect. i was planning on using this carb still, i just like to know all of my options