A two stroke engine having a variable inlet port timing device in conjunction with a piston port controlled timing apparatus for filling the top of transfer passages, that connect the crankcase chamber to the combustion chamber of the engine, with buffer gas such as exhaust gas or secondary air for the reduction of pollutants, improvement of performance, and delivery ratio of an internal combustion two-stroke engine and the like. Piston port controlled timing is provided by buffer air passages having a movable portion with inlet and outlet ports disposed through the piston. In another embodiment piston controlled selective exhaust gas recirculation is provided and a rotary valve in the exhaust gas recirculation passage is fitted to improve the performance of the engine. The pressure in the crankcase may be controlled by a rotary valve comprises a pair of rotary disc plates.