The starter on my 77 stays engauged after the motor starts. I tryed shims, a new starter with no luck. I checked the
wiring and switch they seem ok. [&o]

 

It isn't the starter, it's the solenoid not retracting the starter gear (Bendix assembly).

 

The Bendix is new it came with the new starter

 

I ment the solenoid is new

 

There ain't much to go wrong here. Bendix assem. binding up, Solinoid not retracting, and then there's the question of the correct starter. Parts counter personel do screw up on part selections. Compare new starter with the old. (but you prob used it for a core)
Check on different starters available for your engine, different fly wheels can require a different starter. Auto trans vs manual, etc. I'm shootin' in the dark now, but I hope I'm not too far off! (another shot, check to make sure you didn't get the wires to the solinoid switched.)

 

i just replaced the starter on my 77 and the first guy i talked to said there was only ONE for the 350s so i wnet back and asked a buddy that worked there and he said there were like 7 different ones i dont remember the part number off hand but i had the same problem. so go to auto zone or whereever and ask for all the avail. starters for the small block chevy. or better yet give em the specs and they'll look it up