an engine control system comprises a torque control module and a fueling control module . the torque control module selectively generates a deactivation signal for a first cylinder of a plurality of cylinders of an engine based on a torque request . the fueling control module halts fuel delivery to the first cylinder based on the deactivation signal . the torque control module increases a spark advance of the engine at a first time after the fueling control module halts fuel injection for the first cylinder . the first time corresponds to an initial time combustion fails to occur in the first cylinder because fuel delivery has been halted .