Abstract: A VRS sensor detects the angular rotation of a variable position camshaft which rotates in a variable relationship to a crankshaft, and transmits a Variable Cam Timing/Cylinder IDentification signal, representative of the position of the angular rotation of the camshaft, to an electronic engine controller (EEC). A profile ignition pickup (PIP) sensor detects the rotation of the crankshaft and transmits a PIP signal, representative of the rotation of the crankshaft to the EEC. The EEC receives the VCT/CID signal and the PIP signal and identifies the position of a first firing cylinder in a predetermined sequence of cylinder firing and determines the angular position of the camshaft in relation to the crankshaft by detecting the varying time duration between VCT/CID signals and PIP signals.