96 inline all stock; have to crank 10, 20, or 30 times to get it to finally fire up. Turns over perfectly, just wont start and run till it wants too. Then runs perfectly and smooth. Starts easier or faster when the engine is warm.

Zero trouble codes
New fuel pump and filter
Excellent fuel pressure
Smells flooded once it starts

New battery, good starter, good alternator.
New ignition switch
New distributor, cap, rotor, plugs, wires.
New crank sensor, idle air control, and tps
New coil

Here's a clue; it will not attempt to start until the GEN light comes on.

 

Crank position sensor and or it's wiring. I know you said you changed that.. BUT, non OEM sensors are know to have HIGH fail rate, out of the box. The fact that it does eventually start, leads away from the cam sensor, but, I would do that also.

Be a good idea to check and freshen all charging/starting system connections and all grounds.

 

I can easily test the Crank Sensor. I don't think the 96 straight 6 has a Cam Sensor. Already cleaned all grounds, and added a few