my 95 doesnt have that, but if yours has it, pretty sure the computer needs it or it can screw with mpg and other fuel delivery probs if you just leave it unplugged(at least thats what ive been told by customers looking to buy them for their rigs), it would at least throw a code on turn on your CEL...u should just be able to drill a hole in the pipe you suggested and weld the correct size nut over the hole so that you can thread the sensor back in, same concept as an O2 sensor bung on a custom exhaust

Lonnie
Auto Parts Professional
95 sportage sold but not forgotten