Head gasket replacement presents new dilemma?

This 512 has about 500-1000 miles on it. I blew a head gasket on the left side. I was told that the gaskets were junk so I am replacing both sides. When I got the right side off I noticed that cylinder 6 looks like it has not been combusting, at least that what it looks like to me. Thoughts? Btw, 8 plug was found to be not plugged in for a while but not 6. It looked like it was on tightly. But it was touching the header and has a crack in the plug wire. Could that have caused the whole problem? How can I prevent that in the future?

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Is that plug from 6 or 8?
Number 6 cylinder looks like it was burning but it looks like it may have been lean. Intake leak?
I can recommend Cometic head gaskets I have used them on several builds never have had a issue.
What head bolts were you using?
I have always used ARP head bolts or studs.