My '78 280z has a carb on it, so its possible, Sho. Anyway, from what I know from what you said, all I can say to the question of it just needing the carb cleaned out is, maybe, maybe not. Not very much info to go on. I know that when I got my car, the only reason it would start, but wouldn't stay running, was because the fuel lines were cracked. I replaced those, and sent my carb to my grandfather to rebuild for free, so I don't know how much it'd cost to repair. He lives in California, though. What kind of Carb is it? He has a "shop," maybe he can repair it for you. (for a (decent) price most likey; i'm family, so I got it free. lucky me. )
from what you've said about it starting, then dieing, you might check to make sure the fuel lines are intact as well.