A cylinder deactivation system includes an intake cam follower assembly, an exhaust cam follower assembly, an exhaust cam, and a controller. The intake cam follower assembly is used to open an intake engine valve and is switchable to operate in one of an active state and a deactive state. The exhaust cam follower assembly is used to open an exhaust engine valve and is switchable to operate in one of a primary lift state and a secondary lift state. The exhaust cam includes a primary lift cam lobe and a secondary lift cam lobe and is used to actuate the exhaust cam follower assembly in the primary lift state and in the secondary lift state. The controller is used to open the exhaust engine valve during the deactive combustion cycle in advance of the opening of the intake engine valve that occurs during the subsequent active combustion cycle.