2001 Starting problems...please help

Been having trouble with the van not wanting to start. When you turn the key and attempt to start the van it has to turn over for 5-10 seconds before firing. The filter has been replaced and still same trouble. I have had trouble with the filter almost a year ago strained the pump but it has lasted this long. Do you think that the problem now is finally that the pump has went out. But why would the van still start and run after turning over if the van has no pump... why would it create the pressure?
Also since about the time that we first had trouble with the van not starting there has been a strange noise from the van when you tap on the gas real fast or move the steering wheel from left to right. The sound is almost like the van is starving for air. Have any help about this either?

I have found that the following helps my '96 to start better..... Turn the key to the ON position....wait about 1 second (the fuel pump may be heard running for a moment....bringing the fuel system up to pressure), then turn the key to the START position.

It does not matter if you wait 10 seconds or 1 minute. I have even went as far as to cycle the key twice to double run the pump for pressure. No luck... same symptoms.
The only time that it seems to be any better is when I turn it off only for a short time (like running into the house) and come back to restart it it will fire right over. But there has not really been any time to lose the pressure that t has built up.
Thanks for the reply.

Has the ($8) fuel pump relay been replaced? ... the PCM power relay?

I think your pump may be loosing pressure when not started for a long while,eg-2 hours or more. I don't remember if the 01 has the splay valve on the fuel rail but if it does, check if you have fuel there the next time it sits overnight (do this before tring to start the van.) It is easy to check, just remove the valve cap and with a small screw driver push in the little pin. (It looks like a tire valve)