check the FAQ on how to speed up your car. that solenoid is just for a timing setting. it retards the timing at idle to reduce NOx and i think you bypass it by just giving it 12V all the time, or maybe just rip it off and install the 1.6 advance cover? the other black strut looking piece is to make sure that your throttle doesn't stick. its not a bad thing to have, so you might as well just leave it on.