Abstract: An intake valve lift control system for optimizing both rotational movement and inducted flow of a mixture inducted into the chambers of an internal combustion engine. The combustion chamber includes a mask partially surrounding the intake valve seat thereby imparting rotational movement to the inducted mixture. During light load engine operating conditions, maximum valve lift displacement is limited to the height of the mask such that rotational movement of the inducted mixture is maximized during the entire intake stroke of the intake valve. During heavy load engine operating conditions in which optimal flow is desire, maximum valve lift displacement is extended beyond the mask such that flow, rather than rotational movement, is optimized. Commencement of valve lift is also delayed during normal engine operations such that rotational movement of the inducted mixture is further optimized.