The assembly method includes packaging of items for shipment and secures components of the assembly in a fashion and in the related position required for further assembly, as a unit, to an engine that is in the process of being assembled. The timed assembly arrives at the engine plant secured together such that it allows handling, at least in part, as a single component and with its parts arranged in the relative position required for proper timing and for securing to other components of the engine. The chain (44) is pinned between a tensioner pin (66) and the tensioner chain contacting surface (60) and between a guide pin (74) and the guide or snubber chain contacting surface (88). The tensioner is preferably pinned in a state of minimum extension.