a complete shot in the dark..but could the fuel pressure be leaking down? next time this happens try turning the key from off to run but not start then attempt to start it. chevy astros had a problem where the fpr would leak down the pressure making for difficult starts. i could be your injectors or fuel regulator leaking down pressure so when u go to start it theres no fuel at the rail...again...a complete guess but heck its better then no response right?

<a href="www.pittsfieldcustomsclub.com/sportage.html" target="_blank">98 sportage</a>: warn manual hubs,upyourkia spacers, 104 tj springs, 235/75/r15 BFG T/A KO, tracker rims, cone air filter, custom cat-back with a skunk2 muffler. gonna be a 2.3L