Ok I've read all the posts on Chorus vs. Record over the years but I still have one question that seems to get ignored every time the topic comes up.

Let's ignore cost for a moment (yes that means value per mile ... value per dollar ... no matter how you want to spin it) Assume both Groups cost the same thing.

Now I'm talking basic group here ... ignore custom wheels, seatposts, everything except, drivetrain, Brakes, and hubs.

Is there any reason to choose Chorus over Record?
Is there any durability issues with Record with the weight reduction? Have they cut corners anywhere with respect to strength on the Record group in an effort to create a premium low weight racing group? Obviously pros could care less if the group only lasts one season or one race for that matter but the rest of us need to think about these things.
How about function? From what I've read there are marginal improvements that may be negligible in the Record group.

Basically, it looks like I might have an opportunity to get a new Record group for the cost of a Chorus group and I'd like to know if there's any down side to going that route.

For all of you out there about to tell me not to waste my money on Chorus either ... that isn't my question. I'm not interested or even considering any of the lower Campy groups. This is for my dream bike here and I'd kick myself every time I looked at it if I put anything less than Chorus on the bike.

This is probably a minor point, but if you get the titanium cassette, the ti is harder then the steel and you're going end end up probably using up chains a little bit more often. Is it going to be considerable? Probably not.
If you can get the same percentage off of a Chorus group I would go with Chorus, if you're only getting the discount on Record, then you might as well get Record.
that is my opinion.

Basically, it looks like I might have an opportunity to get a new Record group for the cost of a Chorus group and I'd like to know if there's any down side to going that route.
There's no downside in getting record (compared to chorus at the same price) as the durability is fine. The lighter weight and nominally better bearing quality don't hurt either. Resale value is also better, though for a "dream bike" I don't imagine resale value is of much concern to you...

Ti is NOT harder than steel. It's just the opposite. Ti cogs will wear out faster than steel cogs and neither has any effect on chain life, because chain wear is measured only by the elongation occurring from wear between the fixed pin and the fixed bushing formed into the sideplates, NOT the rollers that are in contact with the cogs.

About the only other difference between chorus and record is weight. There is nothing in the record construction to make it last longer.

Ti is NOT harder than steel. It's just the opposite. Ti cogs will wear out faster than steel cogs and neither has any effect on chain life, because chain wear is measured only by the elongation occurring from wear between the fixed pin and the fixed bushing formed into the sideplates, NOT the rollers that are in contact with the cogs.

About the only other difference between chorus and record is weight. There is nothing in the record construction to make it last longer.

C-40 is absolutely right about both points. the ti cassette has NO effect on chain wear. it will wear out quicker than the steel/ti version, but that's it. the shift mechanism is EXACTLY the same inside both shifters. that's why there is only one set of part #'s where shifter parts are concerned. the derailleurs use the same pivot bushings, the record has the ti bolt and carbon cage. neither of these have cause any problems for me, yet.

there is no reason not to get record if you're getting a good deal on it. i would connect the chain w/ wipperman link, just to make it easier to clean.

There's no downside in getting record (compared to chorus at the same price) as the durability is fine. The lighter weight and nominally better bearing quality don't hurt either. Resale value is also better, though for a "dream bike" I don't imagine resale value is of much concern to you...

Nope ... especially since I made the dire mistake of telling my wife this bike would last 10 + years... big mistake. I won't be able to buy another road bike until well past 2015. :( oops

Thanks all for the input.

I was not intending to get the Ti cassette as I am aware of the lower durability on that component. I'll actually probably stick with the all steel Chorus cassette.

I also already use a Wipperman connector so I'll stick with that as well.

Overall it sounds like ignoring price I should go with the Record.