Thanks for the pix! The arc-shaped antenna array at the top handles both GPS and LTE/4G, they will effectively vanish without it. It might be possible to unplug (can't see clearly) or unsolder the cable to the 'LTE' connection, but this removes the load from the microwave transceiver which I would not do without print/specs in hand.
If this were my bike I wouldn't touch anything in there (see below though), but when the cover's back on I'd wrap as much of the outside /every side of the plastic VCU box with regular grocery-store aluminum foil, just for testing (imagine you're trying to make it waterproof). I'm not sure how to test it's effectiveness without access to VCU signal-strength data, but it would be interesting if updating became impossible, indicating that's probably done directly thru the VCU and not the Stark phone (just a guess). It would also be great if GPS data was still available for the ride/speed/distance displays thru the phone, as it should be.
I agree about humidity - some Altas had problems with it - so I'd install a properly-sized (i.e., neither jammed in nor flopping around) non-conductive dessicant pack under the bottom PCB; maybe w/some open-cell foam here and there it to limit its motion while still allowing it to 'breathe'.
