If you don't have the plug wire actually on the plug or if the plug is bad it will Arc at the Sh!t connection and burn a hole in the boot.
I'd pull the spark plug. If it can't fire the electricity is trying to find a path.
Since you installed a new set of wires and have the same exact results (burned #6 boot) your most likely running on 7 cylinders.
Autolite is running a rebate on several plug lines right now.
http://www.autolite.com/media/18879/...s-2018-web.pdf
AR3924 would be the race application for your engine (cutback ground strap)