A system and method for generating an improved syngas are disclosed. The system includes a mixing unit, a heat exchanger, an engine and a water gas shift (WGS) reactor. The mixing unit is configured to mix a hydrocarbon fuel, an oxidant, and water to generate a fuel mixture. The heat exchanger is coupled to the mixing unit and configured to receive the fuel mixture and generate a heated fuel mixture. The engine is coupled to the heat exchanger and configured to receive the heated fuel mixture and generate an exhaust syngas. The WGS reactor is coupled to the engine and configured to receive the exhaust syngas and provide a water gas shift reaction of the hydrogen, carbon monoxide and the water vapor in the exhaust syngas to provide a reduction in a level of carbon monoxide in the exhaust syngas and an increase in a level of hydrogen in the exhaust syngas to generate the improved syngas.