1. Method for operating an internal combustion engine, comprising: monitoring signal output from a high-resolution torque sensor configured to monitor engine torque during ongoing operation; monitoring states of engine operating and control parameters associated with engine input parameters comprising engine rotational speed, air/fuel ratio, and timing of initiation of a spark ignition event for the cylinder event; estimating a plurality of time delays including a time delay between the estimated mass air charge for a cylinder event and a corresponding effect on engine torque, a time delay between change in initiation of the spark ignition event and a corresponding effect on engine torque, and a time delay between measured torque and a corresponding effect on air/fuel ratio; and estimating a mass air charge for each cylinder event corresponding to the signal output from the high-resolution torque sensor, the engine rotational speed, the air/fuel ratio, the timing of initiation of a spark ignition event for the cylinder event, and the estimated time delays.