Systems and methods for controlling shut down of a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine include a mechanical energy storage device to decelerate an engine crankshaft to a stopping position desirable for restarting of the engine. Energy stored during shut down may be used to adjust or reposition the crankshaft to one of a plurality of angular orientations advantageous for restarting, and/or used to rotate the crankshaft during restarting of the engine. A flywheel having a variable mass, such as provided by two or more segments, which may be fixedly or selectively coupled to one or more springs may be used to selectively store and release energy.