An engine control method, based on engine intake pressure, is operable to shorten a period from a start of cranking until a sequential fuel injection control is determined. Provisional and final stroke determinations are made for a plurality of cylinders from a synthetic manifold pressure waveform. The provisional stroke determination is made after a crankshaft is rotated 720 degrees after settlement of a crank reference position. The final stroke determination is made when the crankshaft rotates 1440 degrees after the provisional stroke determination. When the provisional stroke determination is made, fuel is injected into the cylinders based on a detected value of the engine intake pressure; and when the stroke determination is finally settled, the fuel injection and ignition of the engine are controlled based on the detected value of the engine intake pressure.