Abstract: A method is provided for applying spark corrections calculated on an individual cylinder basis to the total spark advance for the motor vehicle engine to counter torque imbalances and stabilize crankshaft or engine accelerations. According to the invention, crankshaft feedback is used to measure an average acceleration of the crankshaft attributable to each cylinder. Thereafter, individual cylinder spark corrections designed to equalize the accelerations of each of the cylinders are calculated based on the individual cylinder average accelerations. The calculated individual cylinder spark corrections are then applied to the total spark advance. Preferably, an event delay is employed to correct for the phase lag caused by filtering the crankshaft accelerations which aligns the spark corrections with the proper cylinder.