A number of variations may include a method comprising controlling the combustion phase timing in the first firing cycle of a start/stop combustion engine comprising: providing a camshaft operatively connected to an extended range intake cam phaser; fully or partially retarding the extended range intake cam phaser during an engine restart to control a position of the camshaft and prevent pre-ignition; and retarding a spark timing in the first cylinder to delay the combustion phase timing to improve NVH.