OK, I just bought a 1990 2WD chevy with a 350. I'm new to V8s, so with about $1000 extra to spend, what can i do to the engine to make it more powerful and sound awesome? cam? headers??? This 'newbie' does appreciate any help.

These are good trucks. They'll rust out and eat transmissions but I don't think you can kill them.
Cam and headers/exhaust is exactly where I would start with a grand to spend.

If that's a throttle-body injected engine, Edelbrock makes a Performer intake. Comp Dual Energy or Xtreme Energy cam would be the best choice. Something in the 212/220 @ .050, .445" lift range. A good set (not cheapies) headers will make the most improvement.

Sounds like you're getting great advice. I wouldn't forget to do a compression check before pumping up the motor though. A marginal set of Rings will go South in a hurry once you start packing the cylinders. That's why I always suggest starting with the exhaust and working your way up. Good luck, sounds like it will be a nice truck.

K&N filter element in your stock housing, Edelbrock header and Y-pipe system going into a hollowed-out stock or new high-flow cat, 3" single pipe to a Gibson muffler and on back from there.

If you get ceramic or titanium coating on the exhaust, underhood temp will go down enough for one of K&N's intake kits to work at its best.

Before adding a cam or any internal parts/work, make sure your rings, valves, etc. are up to snuff. You didn't say how many miles on the truck, but many times a basic overhaul produces more performace than hanging performance parts on a tired engine. Once you're sure the motor is tight, you can add the goodies to a solid foundation.

PS stay away from Vortec heads, lots of field reports of cracking under high performance demands. Put your money into aftermarket heads, preferably aluminum.