Resize the image to a power-of-two resolution (typically 512x512 or 1024x1024 pixels).

What is the of the custom .dds files you downloaded?

Never exceed 2048 total vinyl textures – the NFSU2 engine will crash. Pack 73 typically stays around 1790 textures for stability.

Before you do anything else, make a backup of the original VINYLS.BIN file. Rename it to VINYLS_BACKUP.BIN or move it to a safe folder. If you do not do this, you cannot uninstall the mod later.