Best choice for lifting
 

I'm just curious what you all use/recommend for lifting and working under the car? Standard jack and stands? Quickjack lifts?

I have ramps I use for some jobs plus I have a low profile high lift jack, 4 jack stands and 2 scissor jacks that are used on occasion. All depends on what I need to do underneath the car.

So much is done from underneath on these cars. The higher you can get them in the air the better. I have a four post lift and love it

Pidj as said below, there are several ways to lift your car, it is a matter of personal preference.

Whenever I need to get the four wheels off the ground (and level), usually I drive onto the ramps, then lift the opposite side with a floor jack, get the stands on and afterwards lift the end from the ramps and get it on the stands as well.

It may seems that you are duplicating your work but I find this a safe way to do it.

However, once the car is supported with the four stands, I give it a firm shake from side to side (both ends), to ensure that the vehicle is properly seated on the floor stands.

I already got a very close call, and you cannot take a chance because if the car falls while you are underneath, most likely you will not be able to get out of the way.... and will be very messy :-(

Please ensure that the car is 100% stable before you get under it...!

I've never used ramps, but that makes sense for getting one end up, straight. I do have 4 jack stands, and always test before getting under:)

It depends on how much money you are willing to spend. If you get jack stands and hydraulic lift ensure it meets weight specs for your Porche. I've done research on Ramps and they are not all alike; seem some pics where cheap ones will crumble. 4-post lifts are great but go in the several thousands.

I don't have the room or $ for a 4 post lift. If I go the ramp route, I'll research and not go cheap there. The quickjack looks cool but, again, that's $ that needs to be used for maintenance etc. I have some 2 ton axle stands that should be okay.

Working on anything under the car, I use jackstands.
Here's a Pelican article with tips on jack points for jackstands.

I've had good experience with this jack. Small and light enough to take to track events.

I have Quickjack 7000
 

I have a Quickjack 7000 that I really like. Have not lifted the 986 yet but I did use it to change to summers on the s5 and Explo. Several threads on lifting. Here's a good one:

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/65723-thinking-investing-quickjack.html

According to specs, the QJ 3500 or 5000 should both be ok for lifting a Boxster. I needed the 7000 for lifting the Explo safely. Both are much less $$$ than the 7000.

Here's a couple of pics at 'half lift'. YMMV but very stable for me.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1495210798.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1495210833.jpg

Liftbars
 

I purchased a set of liftbars late last year. Simple and quick to raise the car onto four jack stands without having to raise up each corner separately.

Liftbars

Those liftbars look sweet!! Good find. You may have just cost me $300 today alynch.

I've been using this for a couple years now. It's simple and safe and easy to adjust height safely.
Liftbars

For regular oil change I use ramps. My driveway has a slight slope and when the car is on the ramp it's almost level.

This will save you some $$ +use a 20% coupon It is adjustable for length and height
https://www.harborfreight.com/steel-floor-jack-cross-beam-60762.html
Item 60762
or
https://www.amazon.com/Dragway-Tools-Cross-Adapter-Floor/dp/B002LGLXM0

The Liftbars look like a great, cost effective solution if you only need to lift the Boxster.

Yes Boxster only. I am interested in getting the quickjack. I just haven't found the excuse to buy one yet.

I bought the Quick Jack 3500 for my Boxster and my two other vehicles. Great piece of equipment for me and it meets all the needs for my level of wrench turning. Changing tires, brake jobs and oil changes plus the ever popular waxing and polishing. :cheers:

I have a Sequoia and a Mazda 5 that have two seasonal tire changes each .... by me. Wow would that make it easier ;) Hmmmm.

The Quick jack will put it up high enough to use a creeper, and still do stuff?

Sorry about that ;) I literally went from 20 minutes to raise all four corners to 5 mins for the whole vehicle. And I don't have to rummage around looking for the jack pads so that tops of the jack stands don't damage the jacking points. The ends of the liftbars slot directly into the jacking points. I couldn't be happier except maybe having a garage with a two-post lift. :p

per QJ docs the maximum lifting height is 17", 18" & 18.5" for the 3500, 5000 & 7000 respectively with the small rubber blocks (all you can use with the 986 I believe). For my Explo & QJ 7000 I can get approx 21" of lift with the SUV stands. Best to check the QJ website for detailed info on the lifting block and SUV stand options.

Just a suggestion, don't buy the 7000 unless you really need it. The 7000 lifts are wider and significantly heavier than the 5000 and 3500.