An exemplary engine control system and method for controlling a vehicle engine during certain shifting maneuvers that involve a manual transmission, such as a ‘no-lift upshift’ where the driver does not release the accelerator pedal during manual shifting. The engine control method may be used to temporarily control the vehicle engine during a no-lift upshift maneuver so that the engine performs well without reaching excessively high engine speeds that could result in vehicle instability or damage. The engine control method described herein may be used with other performance driving maneuvers and techniques as well, such as a power shift maneuvers, etc.