1997 Sunfire real slow to crank, shuts down immediately

That can be the symptom of a bad Ignition Control Module, or also a bad crank position sensor. The ICM can be taken off and tested for free at any parts store. The crank sensor circuit can be tested on the car with a multi-meter. Also small motors (like a fuel pump motor) that are starting to fail can sometimes work until they get hot and then stop working until they cool down again.

Next time the car shuts down and won't restart, check for spark on a spark plug wire with the engine cranking over. If you have no spark, suspect the ignition control module or the crank position sensor. If you still have spark, but won't start, check if the fuel pump is putting gas up to the engine.

I would check the crankshaft sensor first... but you forgot to mention the engine size. makes it hard to help any further

Check fuel pressure loose stuff in tank can block sock in tank

Crank sensor a good possibility. Any codes?

I would start with the fuelpump, put a gauge on the feul line then start car and shut down, then watch to see if preasure drops, you may have a bad pump that drains down after shut down, then take a while to build preasure back up, start with this test first. hope this helps.

Fuel pumps are also a common proble with the cavalier/sunfire. can you hear it running immediately after turning the key on (not trying to start)

i hate to say this but you may have broken your timing belt, and thats real bad on a honda. just loosen the valve cover bolts and remove the plastic top cover over the belt and see if the belt moves then cranking the engine, i hope for your sake this isn't the case because hondas are equipped with an interference engine which means when the timing belt goes the valves hit the pistons

its a sunfire , have a buddy sit in your car and you go to the back have him turn the key to the on position... not the run position and listen for a buzz or whiiirrrrrring sounds, do this several times if no noise chances are your fuel pump is dead, a common chev problem, if it has no noise you can try giving it a few good whacks where the fuel pump is located at the tank and try again more often than not this will get your fuel pump buzzing again and then you will know if your problem is at least in the front or the back..
yadidimean
Thanks Shawn

has the starter recall be done to the car yet if so it should have relay added to syatem and starter wire cut inhave with purple wire run to small wire on starter.

Same thing happened to me at about 140k. It was the fuel pump. Best way to test if your pump is failing and loosing pressure is to see if the car will start immediately after it has been running, or turn the key to the alt position for a few minutes before starting. If your engine fires faster after it has been running or the key has been in the alt position you will probably need a new fuel pump. Great news is with a very deep socket to get the tank straps off its a 30 minute job to replace the pump/filter assembly.