i have a 97 silverado with a vortec 305 and i have to cycle the key to get it started when its cold but once started it will start fine rest of day any ideas

 

Welcome to the forum
Checking fuel pressure is always a good place to start, check the bleed down time as well, it should not be too quick. Pressure should stay for several minutes after the engine is turned off.

 

Ok thanks I have heard that I could be the pump or the fuel pressure regulator or maybe the map senserl

 

There is a check valve in the fuel pump assembly. This is bad that is why your fuel bleeds back into the tank. My truck was doing that and I put an inline check valve in the fuel line and now it starts up on first attempt. You can change them fuel pump also, but is more expensive and more work.