a) get another coupler and take out that corrugated tubing, that is the restrictive part of the intake.

b) that 'heat sink looking thing' is the PCM/ECM/ECU/etc. it can just sit there if you want, but feel free to tie it down somehow or buy a PCM tray if you want.

c) being all the way in the fender like that isnt the best option (too many bends, exposed to weather, etc). youd be just as well off getting the filter close to the fender hole and being done.