inspyral,
i looked in the service manual, it said to use the 16 pin connector under the dash. there's actually only 5 wires going into it. I will check for a connector like the one pictured in the link you posted. hopefully i can get this problem solved. The O2 sensor definetly looks like it got damaged, but i never work as a parts replacer, ie -replacing everything til i stumble upon the problem. i guess i've been "lucky" in the past that every car before this that i've ever owned has been a 91 or older, less computer crap to deal with. gotta get this sorted out!

on the bright side, i just bought a pair of headlights on ebay. the JDM style ones with the dull black in them. Hopefully my buddy at the shop can pull through and get me a primered OEM hood and radiator stay for the prices he quoted me earlier ($80 and $30) w/out expensive shipping charges. he's checking into that tomorrow for me. Guess it's good to have friends with the connections i always need!