Ive been having problems with long cranking before starting after the car has sat a while.
been told its probably a bad fuel pressure regulator.

is that what holds fuel pressure??
the car starts after like 20 cranks, seems the cranking is building up fuel pressure or something..

sound right??
should I just change out the regulator?
think that will fix it??

I can hear the fuel pump energize but its not starting right away after its sat a while
car runs perfect after it starts and starts fine if I just turn it off and comeback to start it in like 5 minutes but anything longer and it cranks a while before it starts

help???

The fuel pump should only come on when you turn the key to start the motor. it doesn't prime or anything with just turning the key to the "on" position. Maybe the pump is going itself.?

Check the basics--spark plugs, plug wires, battery connections. After you crank the engine a few times, do you smell fuel?? That might indicate if you have fuel pressure problem or ignition; but if you're saying the fuel pump kicks on (audible), it might be electrical. If you have a Chilton's or Haynes manual, you can check the ASD relay (closest to passenger side, mounted on firewall, behind the brake fluid reservoir) and the resistance of the coil terminals.