Do I need a tune for an intake system on the VB?

There is no reliable category-wide answer for every 2022+ WRX intake. The MAF housing and sensor placement matter, but they are not a substitute for product testing and calibration instructions. PERRIN, for example, says its 2022-2026 WRX cold-air intake was tested without required ECU recalibration. COBB lists its factory-airbox intake tube as compatible with the stock tune and COBB OTS maps. Other intake products or packages may require a specific map. Use the exact part number and application guide. If the manufacturer or tuner calls for a calibration, install the matching calibration with the hardware and fuel it was written for. If the manufacturer explicitly validates the part for the stock calibration, do not assume that statement transfers to a different intake or to a car with other airflow, boost, exhaust, fueling, or turbo changes. A drop-in filter that retains the factory airbox and measurement hardware is a different product from a complete intake, but it still needs correct fitment and maintenance. Never diagnose calibration safety from diameter alone, and never promise that a setup will produce no codes or engine risk. Log or inspect unexpected fuel trims, warning lights, knock behavior, or drivability changes with a qualified tuner or technician. Finally, check emissions legality and warranty terms before purchase. Product legality varies, and Subaru states that damage or failure resulting from modifications is excluded from its limited warranty; that is not the same as an automatic cancellation of every unrelated warranty claim.