I've used a couple of versions of split D-76 including the Farber, "split" D-23, "split" D-25 and AB-55 with successful but somewhat pointless results. D-23 and D-25 aren't really split; they're just followed by a borax bath.(posted 8946 days ago)Facts: these _are_ temperature sensitive, with the least sensitive being split D-76 and AB-55. Part A of all of them, though, does develop the film all by itself thus requires time/temp control.
Contrast can be controlled by the dilution and time in solution A.
Using at least a couple of modern films (HP5+, Delta 100), with the exception of D-25D, they don't give any significant compensating action. Used at "normal" times, though, they can give a useful contraction.
You can buy D-23 and split D-76 from Photographers Formulary in small quantities to just try them out. "Split" D-23 just adds a borax B bath; borax is the ordinary 20 Mule Team variety, mixed at 10g/L, and give three minutes in the B bath with continuous agitation.
You can of course buy the ingredients from Kodak or Formulary, but the metol and hydroquinone are in large containers and would be a tremendous waste of money if you try out the developers and then decide that you don't want to continue using them.