problem starting '91 maxima. need help diagnosing .

whenever i turn the car on it just goes chug-chug-chug and doesn't do anything... and sometimes it does nothing, and then as if out of energy it'll go chug..zip....chug...zip.... and then if i wait 10 minutes then restart it, it runs....has anyone had this problem? could it be the spark plugs, wires, starter, or dist cap? im willing to try changing any of these before i quit and try to get a 240sx. im at my wits end.... my prelude blew a head gasket, and now my maxima wont' start... maybe i should just buy a Vespa?....hehe anyways.. thanks for any and all help.