A control system for an engine includes a variable valve timing device configured to selectively adjust opening and closing of an exhaust valve of the engine, a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a condition associated with pre-ignition of air and fuel in a cylinder of the engine, and a controller in communication with the variable valve timing device and the sensor. The controller is configured to control the variable valve timing device to selectively initiate a conventional valve timing or a quick-open valve timing based on the signal. In the quick-open valve timing the exhaust valve is moved from a closed position to a maximum lift position in a shorter amount of time than in the conventional valve timing.